DMP tightens New Year celebrations

As in previous years, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Tuesday issued instructions relating to New Year celebrations to prevent any untoward situation arising.

However, this time around, it laid special emphasis on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, adding that some people engaged themselves in activities against their own culture and values.

The instructions are as follows:

1. No gathering, rally or festival at intersections, flyovers, roads, rooftops or public spots for the sake of the city’s overall security and law and order situation

2. No function or gathering, or dance, music or cultural events in open spaces marking New Year’s Day.

3. No fireworks anywhere in the city.

4. No outsiders or vehicles will be allowed into the Dhaka University (DU) campus after 6pm on December 31.

5. Teachers, officers and other staffers of DU who reside on the campus will be allowed entry through Shahbagh crossing upon showing their ID cards. Those on foot will be allowed into the campus through the Nilkhet crossing by showing their ID cards.

Also Read- DMP chief on New Year celebrations: Bars will be closed and no DJ parties

6. No outsiders will be allowed to enter Gulshan and Banani after 8pm on December 31 but their residents can enter through Kakoli and Amtoli points by showing ID cards.

7. At the same time, those not residing in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and DU campus areas are discouraged from going to these places after 8pm

8. No one will be allowed to be in the Hatirjheel area after 8pm on December 31.

9. Residents of Gulshan, Baridhara and Banani are asked to return to respective areas by 8pm on December 31.

10. No bars will be open in the city after 6pm on December 31.

11. All fast-food shops will be closed from 10pm on December 31

12. People on their own can celebrate the New Year on a limited scale in hotels by ensuring social distancing, but no "DJ parties" will be allowed.

13. From 6pm on December 31 to 6am on January 1, carrying of firearms is banned at residential hotels, restaurants, mass gatherings and festival spots.

The DMP has warned that it will take legal action against people violating the instructions.

Earlier, DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said that no one would be allowed to hold or take part in parties or gatherings in open spaces on December 31.