The High Court (HC) on Tuesday 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 on December 31.
The home affairs secretary, the IGP, and the DMP commissioners have been asked to implement this order.
The HC bench comprising Justice Md Jahangir Hossain and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Supreme Court advocate Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman seeking its directive in this regard.
Asrafuzzaman filed the writ petition on Monday with the High Court urging the court to direct authorities and law enforcement agencies to curb fireworks, public nuisance, and other illegal activities on New Year's Eve to ensure public safety and protect the environment.
The petition also sought specific restrictions, including a ban on fireworks, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of fireworks on December 31.
The petition also sought restrictions on gatherings including preventing gatherings on rooftops of multi-storey buildings from 11:00pm on December 31 to 1:00am on January 1, 2025.
Besides, it sought area-based restrictions on roads, parks, and public spaces after 10:00pm on December 31.
The petition sought halting events at clubs, bars, hotels, and pubs celebrating New Year's Eve.
It also called for the deployment of all available law enforcement agencies, including mobile courts, to enforce these restrictions and ensure public order.
The petitioner emphasised that such measures are necessary to prevent chaos, ensure public safety, and minimise air and environmental pollution caused by New Year's Eve celebrations.
