The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has declared that strict action will be taken against those caught red-handed flying lanterns, igniting firecrackers, or selling them. Despite the ban, the sale of these flammable items persists.   During a visit in the capital, it was seen that sky lanterns were openly being sold at various intersections. In recent years, the once joyous English New Year celebration has been overshadowed by a gloom affair due to numerous hazardous incidents arising from the use of fireworks and sky lanterns on the New Year’s Eve. Numerous incidents, including fire outbreaks and fatalities, have been reported in over 200 locations across the country. Last year, even the power transmission line of the metro rail was damaged during such incidents. In response to these issues, law enforcement forces have adopted a stringent stance. To ensure a festive and safe environment for both the upcoming national parliamentary election and the 31st night, a ban has been imposed on all types of fireworks, lanterns, and firecrackers in Dhaka city for an indefinite period. Additionally, fireworks and sky lanterns were being discreetly sold in the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka, including Tantibazar and Shakharibazar, known as the largest market for lanterns and fireworks. Many shops are engaging in the illegal sale of lanterns and fireworks, employing covert tactics. Sellers are selective, only offering their products to familiar faces, and transactions often take place away from the prying eyes of authorities. Firecrackers and lanterns are being illicitly sold in small shops tucked away in the alleys of various areas in Old Dhaka, such as Shakhari Bazar, Tantibazar, Sutrapur, and Patikhan Lane. Despite the ban, several young people and teenagers were observed standing discreetly in the vicinity, ready to approach potential buyers. Wahidul Islam Safayat, a resident of Old Dhaka, acknowledged the DMP's instructions but noted that not everyone is adhering to the guidelines. He said: “Fireworks and lantern festivals are the traditions of Old Dhaka. I think we should all be careful about bursting firecrackers and flying lanterns. We should all celebrate and light lanterns at a specific place instead of flying lanterns everywhere.” Safayat also mentioned that lanterns are still available in Shankharibazar and Tantibazar, sold secretly to locals behind the shops. Another resident of Old Dhaka, a college student named Turjo, said: “Celebrating the night with fireworks on December 31 every year is not new. Every year I used to set off these firecrackers and lanterns myself. But when I saw the occasional accident due to it, I have been avoiding it ever since. I think social organizations and television should spread awareness advertisements to stop this bad culture.” Wishing to remain anonymous, a trader in Shakhari Bazar, admitted that lanterns and firecrackers are available in many shops despite the ban. He justified the sales by saying that they are fulfilling the requests of known customers and selling the items discreetly. “We have brought the items at the shops following requests of known customers. Moreover, we can sell at double price than the usual price this time. That's why I'm selling it secretly. But when the existing items will be sold out, I will not bring anymore,” said the trader.  He added that the existing items are being sold at double the usual price, and once the stock is depleted, they will cease further sales in compliance with the ban.

Dhaka’s ambitious metro rail has project reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Karwanbazar and Shahbagh metro rail stations. This achievement marks the completion of all 16 stations along the Dhaka Metro Rail route, extending from Uttara North to Motijheel. Following the commencement of the Bijoy Sarani and Dhaka University stations on December 13, only the Karwanbazar and Shahbagh stations were pending activation. With their launch, Dhaka residents can now enjoy full access to the metro rail network, significantly easing urban transportation. The service will be operational from 7:30am to 11:30am from Uttara to Motijheel, while the section from Uttara to Agargaon will run from 7:30am to 8:30pm. Earlier on December 13, the Bijoy Sarani and Dhaka University stations on the Agargaon-Motijheel metro rail section opened to the public.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Dec 31) said her government wants to form an international standard education system in Bangladesh following the curriculum of world-renowned educational institutions. "We will give money whatever needs in education. There are renowned international universities - We have to see how they teach. What curriculum and which method do they follow? We want to establish international standard education system in Bangladesh," PM said. The premier said this while opening free textbook distribution programme at an event at her office through handing over books to students of pre-primary, primary and secondary levels in the morning. PM Sheikh Hasina said she wants to develop a nation with modern technology-knowledge-based education as she desired that students get such education from an early age. So, her government is giving importance to technical education and vocational training, she said. "We want to build a nation with modern-technology-knowledge-based education. We've already done everything for that," she added. Mentioning that the present era is the age of modern technology and knowledge, Sheikh Hasina said, "We will never be left behind. We have to keep pace with other countries. so we want our boys and girls to learn technology from early age." PM added, "We want our country to keep pace with the world. That is why we have to change our education curriculum." Referring to a quote of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the prime minister said Bangabandhu didn't consider the cost of education as an expenditure rather he used to think it a kind of investment. Calling on the students to pursue study attentively, she said life becomes failure without education as there may be wealth with many things but education is one thing that no one can take away. "We want to build the nation with versatile education. To build the smart Bangladesh, we need smart skilled population the most," she continued. Highlighting the importance of education to get rid of poverty, the head of government said they want to make Bangladesh a poverty-free country.   "Only education can make a country free from poverty. That is why we have given the most importance to education," she said. At the textbook distribution ceremony on the eve of 2024, Sheikh Hasina wished all a Happy New Year-2024. With Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni in the chair, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury delivered the welcome address. Since 2017, the government has been distributing braille books among the blind students alongside handing over books in Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo and Sadri languages to the children of minority ethnic groups to facilitate them to study in their mother tongue.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal today (Dec 30) vowed that the 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections must be free and fair at any cost. "The elections to the next 12th Jatiya Sangsad must be fair at any cost. . . and the Election Commission (EC) is working relentlessly for this purpose," the CEC told a view-exchange-meeting with law enforcers and local administration at Shilpakala Academy here. "The election commission is firm to hold this election in a free, fair and impartial manner . . . We have already got all necessary manpower support as per the requirement from the government to ensure fair polls," Habibul Awal categorically said. He said the EC is working sincerely right now to ensure all candidates' equal opportunities in the election race. The polls process is progressing continuously with the cooperation of the government and the utmost sincerity of the officials of field administration as well, the CEC added. Earlier, the CEC exchanged views with the candidates of six constituencies of the district at Sylhet Circuit House at 10 am. Among others, Additional Divisional Commissioner Md. Jasim Uddin, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Sheikh Russel Ahmed and senior officials concerned were also present.  

Four members of a family died from electrocution in Nandail upazila of Mymensingh on Saturday afternoon (Dec 30). The deceased were identified as Jamal Uddin, 32, his mother Anwara Begum, 65, and two daughters Anika Akter, 4, and Faiza, 6. The heart touching incident took place in Ghoshpala village under Chandipasha union around 3:30 pm, the union chairman Sahab Uddin Bhuiyan told. He said, "Jamal Uddin came in contact with a live wire while charging his auto-rickshaw. His mother and two daughters also came in contact with wire when they tried to save him." Nandail Police Station sub-inspector Sujan Mia said police recovered the bodies.