Despite Ban, Fireworks and Sky Lanterns Light Up Dhaka on New Year’s Eve Amid National Mourning

Even under the strict prohibition imposed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and ongoing state mourning for former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the skies of the capital were filled with fireworks and sky lanterns to celebrate Thirty-First Night.

As soon as the clock struck 12:00 midnight on Wednesday (31 December), the entire city shook with loud explosions, causing widespread anger and fear among ordinary citizens.

From 11:30 pm onwards, fireworks and sky lanterns began lighting up many areas of the capital. After midnight, rooftops of almost every building were crowded with residents. In the Dhanmondi area, fireworks burst like flowers of fire from all directions, and drones were also seen flying in the sky. The deafening noise continued until around 12:45 am. In Bosila and Adabor areas of Mohammadpur, sky lanterns were seen flying and fireworks exploding even before 10:00 pm.

Faisal Mahmud, a resident of Zigatola, told The Daily Campus: “At night, the loud noise woke up the small children repeatedly from sleep. They are very scared of such deafening sounds. Although DMP had imposed a ban, I did not see any effective role from the police.”

Expressing strong anger, another resident of the same area said: “As the night gets deeper, the sound of fireworks keeps increasing. People around are living in fear. Elderly and sick people are suffering terribly. Despite the ban, no initiative is visible to stop these. We want the administration to be stricter in stopping this kind of noise pollution.”

On-the-spot observations showed that in Bosila area of Mohammadpur, sky lanterns were flying and fireworks exploding even before 10:00 pm. After 11:00 pm, countless sky lanterns filled the sky in Adabor area. Around 12:00 midnight, deafening fireworks began there.

Due to the noise of fireworks and the fire from sky lanterns, birds were seen panicking and making distress calls in various areas. Many pigeons were seen crashing onto building rooftops while desperately searching for shelter. Street dogs and cats were also seen running around in fear.

Several residents complained that although law enforcement members were present, the celebrations could not be effectively controlled. Although there was supposed to be action through mobile courts, no visible activity was seen throughout the night as sky lanterns and fireworks continued freely. This has sparked strong criticism on social media as well. Conscious citizens believe that such indifference of the administration is creating risks to public safety.

It is worth mentioning that due to the state mourning for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, all types of firecrackers, fireworks, sky lanterns, and gas balloons were completely banned in the capital from Wednesday to Friday.

This directive was issued in a public notice by DMP on Wednesday. In the notice, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali sought everyone’s cooperation to maintain the dignity of mourning.

DMP further stated that during the mourning period, no cultural programmes, DJ parties, rallies, or processions can be organised in open spaces. Citizens were also asked to refrain from all activities that may cause public nuisance, including honking vehicle horns loudly.