The authorities have urged people not to use sky lanterns or similar objects on the metro rail route and its vicinity on December 31.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director, MAN Siddique, said this at the company's meeting room in the capital's Iskaton on Thursday.
He said that residents living within 1km on either side of the metro rail are requested to refrain from using kites, sky lanterns, and any entertainment items on New Year's Eve.
A letter has been written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to seek the police's assistance and take appropriate steps, he added.
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.
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, metro rail services were suspended following a two-hour suspension after the removal of sky lanterns that had fallen on electric wires during New Year celebrations in Dhaka.
According to a DMTCL announcement, metro rails run daily from Uttara North to Motijheel using high-capacity electrified lines. There is a risk of a fatal accident if a lantern or other similar object is blown over, as its remnants might entangle with these high-capacity electrified lines at any time.
For this reason, it is specially requested not to fly lanterns or similar objects in the route alignment of MRT Line-6 and surrounding areas.
