Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Saturday banned rooftop parties on the night of December 31 to celebrate the New Year, whereas no outdoor celebration is allowed.
Asaduzzaman Mia, commissioner of DMP, said the media on Saturday that the decision was taken as a matter of security.
"No concerts, dances or events can be held in open areas in the Dhaka city. Not on the rooftops either. Indoor celebrations are, however, allowed with permission."
All kinds of outdoor celebrations will remain prohibited on the New Year's Eve, said DMP Commissioner Mia. "No gatherings, rallies will be allowed on the streets, road intersections and flyovers for security reasons."
Five-star hotels, however, will be able to organize New Year parties upon securing permission, he added.
The Hatirjheel area will remain off-limits from 8pm while entrance to the Dhaka University campus and the upscale neighbourhoods of Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara will be limited to residents only after 8pm.
The DMP chief requested residents of these areas to return to home by 6pm.
Vehicles carrying teachers and staff living in the Dhaka University campus will be allowed to enter through Nilkhet and the Shahbag entrances after 8pm upon providing proper identification.
Entry to the Gulshan area will be through the Kakoli and Amtali Crossing, Mia said.
Police will be alert for reckless driving and even conduct alcohol tests to prevent drunk driving and disorderly behaviour, he added. Uniformed police, plainclothes detectives, the counterterrorism unit, SWAT, bomb disposal teams and dog squads will be deployed to ensure security, the police commissioner added.
Asked if there is any specific threat behind such strict measures, Asaduzzaman answered in negation and said the DMP instructions are only part of its "preventive measures".
The DMP wants Dhaka dwellers to inform it about any indoor programmes so that no untoward event can take place and law enforcers can provide safety to the people, DMP chief explained.
"Tough measures will be taken against anybody who disobeys these instructions" Asaduzzaman added.
