Dhaka sky illuminated by fireworks despite ban

Dhaka's skyline glittered with fireworks on New Year's Eve, defying bans. 

As the clock neared 12am, numerous residents launched fireworks and lanterns, disregarding the strict directives issued by the government to ensure public safety.

Though these captivating light shows might seem amusing its effects on the environment, animals, children and elderly is far severe.

Reports have previously mentioned the death of a child who was suffering from a heart condition due to the frightening sounds of fireworks on one such New Year's Eve. Furthermore, excessive noise can cause various physical and mental health problems, including hearing and memory loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety, aggression, high blood pressure, tinnitus, dizziness, increased risk of heart disease, mental instability, stroke, and heart attack.

In this context, the environment ministry urged everyone to refrain from engaging in such illegal activities, which are harmful to public health and biodiversity, during the celebration of the English New Year on New Year's Eve.

It should be noted that according to Rule 7 of the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, setting off fireworks and firecrackers without permission during the New Year's Eve celebrations is considered a punishable offence under Rule 18 of the said regulations.

Earlier in on 31 December, DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman outlined a series of restrictions in a press release, aimed at maintaining law and order during the New Year festivities.

The directives prohibited gatherings, festivals, or cultural events in open spaces, including road intersections, flyovers, streets, and other public areas.

The release explicitly stated that fireworks, firecrackers, and lanterns were banned from being flown, bought, or sold across the city.

Multiple drives were conducted by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and a number of people were arrested for selling fireworks.

Meanwhile, in response to a writ seeking ban on fireworks, the High Court also directed the government to stop the use of firecrackers, gatherings on the rooftops, buildings, open spaces and parks across the country, including the capital, during the English New Year celebrations.

However, all these measures failed to deter people from setting off fireworks.