Fireworks light up Dhaka despite ban during state mourning

Bangla Press Desk:  Dhaka witnessed widespread fireworks and firecracker celebrations on Wednesday night despite an official ban imposed during the state mourning period following the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

From just before midnight on 31 December, loud explosions from fireworks and firecrackers were heard across almost all parts of the capital, as residents welcomed the New Year. At the stroke of 12:00am, the sky over Dhaka lit up with colourful fireworks, defying restrictions issued by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Every year, the DMP imposes a ban on fireworks and firecrackers on 31 December night. However, this year the context was markedly different, as the government has been observing state mourning since Wednesday following Begum Khaleda Zia’s death. In view of the mourning period, the DMP had issued a stricter directive banning all forms of fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns and gas balloons across the city.

Despite the ban, celebrations continued unabated. Residents in several neighbourhoods reported that fireworks began as early as 11:00pm, with repeated bursts continuing well into the night. Although the number of sky lanterns appeared lower than in previous years, firecrackers were widely used, causing discomfort to many.

Several city dwellers expressed annoyance at the noise, particularly noting the health risks posed to young children and elderly people due to the loud explosions.

In a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, the police stated that, during the mourning period, all kinds of fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns and gas balloons were strictly prohibited within the Dhaka metropolitan area. The directive also banned open-air cultural programmes, DJ parties, rallies and processions, and instructed the public to refrain from honking vehicle horns at high volume or engaging in activities that could cause public disturbance.

Despite the clear instructions, the ban was widely ignored, raising questions about enforcement during sensitive national occasions.

BP/SP