New Year's Eve, in many countries, is the evening or the entire day of the last day of the year, December 31. It is celebrated with great fervour across the world – and Bangladesh is no different.
Every year, thousands in the country celebrate the occasion by lighting firecrackers and sky lanterns, with people of all walks of life gathering on rooftops to mark the end of the year.
Prices of firecrackers and sky lanterns soar as well right before the celebrations begin.
However, this celebration sometimes leads to disasters, and many on social media are calling for not using firecrackers and sky lanterns to stave off such incidents.
The loud noise of firecrackers brings immense suffering to some, especially the elderly, sick and babies. Not only people, but also animals and birds experience the same suffering.
Beside, many places catch fire from sky lanterns.
Last year, at least seven fire incidents were reported from different parts of Dhaka as people went to have fun with families and friends with fireworks to mark the New Year.
As another New Year's Eve approaches, many fear such disasters could happen this year as well if everyone is not careful.
Distinguished figures like director Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, singer-songwriter Quazi Krishnokoli Islam and prominent Islamic scholars urged people not to use fireworks or sky lanterns to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Through social media posts, they advised people to be kind to other people and animals while celebrating.
Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, in his Facebook post, said it is his humble request to people not to use sky lanterns.
“Please do not use lanterns. You do not know where it will land and what kind of disaster it will lead to. Last time, only in Dhaka, many places caught fire from lanterns,” he wrote.
He also requested all to finish fireworks by 1am. “Please know that there are other people besides you. There are children, old and sick people around you. Also, there are stray animals on the road and birds. Please think about them. Your happiness should not be the cause of another person's misery,” he added.
Krishnokoli too urged people to have a nature-friendly celebration. In her Facebook post she said: “Those who will light firecrackers and lanterns, can you be kind? We have elderly people, new mothers and babies. We have stray dogs, rats and cats. Can we have a nature-friendly celebration? ”
Islamic scholar Shiblee Mehdi, in his Facebook post, wrote: “Last year alone, 999 (national emergency hotline) and the Fire Service received news of fire at 200 places from sky lanterns.”
He raised the question to everyone: “How can you accept that because of your joy, some houses, some shops, some warehouses, some establishments, some factories, some property caught fire?”
“When we hear about other people's losses, we often do not get the correct understanding. Just close your eyes and think, what if it was your house or your businesses that burned to ashes? How would you feel?” he asked.
He also urged people to think about the disturbance the loud noise created by firecrackers after bedtime.
Another Islamic scholar, Md Shafiqul Islam, advised people to use the money on humanitarian causes rather than buying firecrackers or sky lanterns.
“Think of the money you spend on buying lanterns or firecrackers. You can buy a blanket, two sweaters or food and donate it to those who are in dire need of those. You will receive prayers of the afflicted people. Maybe some of your sins will be erased or any troubles coming towards you will stop,” he said in his post.
