No outdoor celebration of new year

The government has imposed a restriction on all kinds of outdoor celebrations on the 31st night on the eve of New Year 2019 due to the general election.

“No one will be allowed to use any public place, open space or rooftop for the New Year celebrations on the 31st night due to the national election,” said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

The decision was taken at a meeting at the home ministry yesterday, with the minister in the chair.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Asaduzzaman said people would also not be allowed to hold parties like DJ parties and set off fireworks for security reasons.

Besides, the sale of all kinds of liquor, including beer and wine, will be prohibited in all bars and hotels, except those of international standards, from the afternoon of 31st December to the afternoon of January 1.

No one would be allowed to move carrying licensed firearms during this period, the minister added.

About Christmas security on December 25, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, the minister said tight security measures have been taken for peaceful celebration of the day.

“Strict security measures have also been taken for around 3,000 churches across the country on the occasion of Christmas Day and setting off fireworks and bursting of crackers will not be allowed to celebrate the occasion.”

Special security measures will be taken for Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara diplomatic zone both on the Christmas Day and the New Year's Eve.

Senior home ministry officials and representatives of the law enforcement and intelligence agencies were present at the meeting.