No concert on roads, bars to remain closed for 24hrs from Dec 31

Bars across the country will remain closed for 24 hours from 6:00pm on December 31, and no concerts will be allowed on roads and flyovers on that night.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said this yesterday after a meeting on law and order for Christmas Day and 31st night celebrations at the ministry.

This year Christmas Day will be celebrated in 5,682 churches across the country and security measures will be taken for all, said the minister.

“In large churches, we have requested to provide volunteers from the Christian community along with our security forces. Special security and intelligence forces will be deployed in the diplomatic zones. CCTV cameras will be installed and important churches will be checked as done during the VIP movement. Dog squads will also be deployed,” added the minister.

He said a special anti-narcotic drive will also be conducted from December 28 to 31.

The minister urged people to not use fireworks, crackers and vuvuzela during the celebrations of 31st night, creating panic among people.

When asked whether concerts can be arranged in the field, he said it can be done with permission of the metropolitan police but on condition of creating no traffic jam.

The minister said there is no threat regarding the celebration.

Asked about BNP promising justice for all enforced disappearance, murder, torture for the last half decade in their outline of structural reforms of the state, he said they are taking a step in this regard too as it has become people’s demand now.

He said a list of disappeared people during the BNP regime from 2001 to 2006 is being made.

“Freedom fighters, Awami League leaders, activists were killed and fell victim of disappearance during that time. A report has been made in this regard. We also want everything to be investigated,” he said.