Firecrackers remain banned on New Year's Eve celebrations in Dhaka

Cyber monitoring and patrolling will be strengthened on social media around the festival

Expecting a safe celebration of Christmas and 31st night in Bangladesh, Alamgir Alam, additional IGP (administration) at Police Headquarters, has said no firecrackers will be allowed to be used as before in the two festivals of the Christian community.

A law and order meeting was held over the security of the upcoming two festivals on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Police Headquarters.

Alamgir said: "The police have taken proper measures to ensure the safe and smooth celebration of Christmas and 31st night."

It was decided in the meeting that bomb disposal units, crime scene vans, quick response teams, and SWAT teams would be deployed at strategic locations.

Immediate action will be taken against those who try to disrupt harmony on social media around the festival.

Cyber surveillance and patrolling will be strengthened for this, the statement read.

In addition to the law-enforcing agencies in the churches, the organisers will be requested to appoint their own volunteers and provide adequate lighting, generators, or charger lights.

Besides, it has been decided to strengthen security measures in all tourist areas in the country, including Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, on the occasion of New Year’s Eve.