Dhaka defies retrictions to ring in 2026 with fireworks, festivities

As the city sparkles with cheer, children and the elderly seek a moment of quiet

Dhaka has welcomed in 2026 with widespread fireworks and firecrackers, defying warnings and restrictions from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Ministry of Environment and other agencies.

Long before the clock struck midnight, neighbourhoods across the capital erupted in noise, with the sound of firecrackers and fireworks echoing through lanes and residential areas.

In some places, celebrations began by 10pm, as people gathered on streets, rooftops and balconies to close out 2025 and usher in the New Year with family and friends.

As midnight approached, the crowds grew, and at the stroke of midnight, the city was engulfed in cheers of “Happy New Year”, accompanied by loud music, fireworks, and firecrackers.

The calm of the winter night was shattered as the sky lit up in bursts of colour, turning much of the capital into a scene of continuous celebration.

As in previous years, official appeals and prohibitions appeared to have little effect. Fireworks and lanterns filled the sky despite repeated advisories from the Dhaka Metro Rail authority, the Fire Service and other government agencies, which had warned of safety risks based on past incidents.

The intensity of fireworks increased after 11:30pm and continued well beyond midnight, with some areas seeing near-constant bursts as neighbours appeared to compete in their displays.

While many young and elderly celebrants revelled in the festivities, the loud explosions left small children visibly frightened, with some seen trembling and crying.

Even half an hour after the New Year had dawned, the sound of fireworks and firecrackers showed little sign of relenting.

For some, the festitivites brought joy and colour, for many others in the capital -- especially the old and the sick -- the prolonged noise proved distressing rather than festive.