Despite issuing ban by the law enforcement agency, firecrackers and lanterns of various kinds are being sold online ahead of new year eve.
City dwellers celebrate on the 31st night of the outgoing year by setting off lanterns and firecrackers, which occasionally results in serious fire incidents.
At least 200 incidents of fire had been recorded centering last year’s 31st night including 10 in the capital. The electricity distribution line of most anticipated megaproject Dhaka metro rail which cost around Tk 33.5 thousand crore, was also interrupted in 2023.
The Report has found some Facebook groups and pages where these prohibited goods are being sold. Home delivery is also available.
Business of such prohibited items is also well-known in the capital`s old town. A strong syndicate is active with selling the products, The Report investigation found.
After a process of haggling, the desired product is quickly delivered to the customer by calling them to the dark alleys.
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sources, for a few days, various police stations of DMP have conducted raids in various areas of the capital, including Chawk Bazar, Shankhari Bazaar, and Lalbagh areas where lanterns and firecrackers are sold.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Police Shafiqur Rahman of Chawk Bazar Zone under Lalbagh Division said that lanterns and firecrackers have been made banned to control the situation during the thirty-first night ahead of the national election.
“Legal actions will be taken in this regard, if anyone violates the restrictions,” he added.
Home Delivery!
Firecrackers are being sold on several Facebook pages, such as BD Firework, Firework Retailer Shop, Bazigarh, and groups called Byabsayeek Idea (Business Idea), Dhabiyan Business Community (DBC).
Fanus Bangladesh and Fanus Ghar offer home delivery upon request and online sales of all lantern and fireworks-related products.
Firecrackers are being sold online that ranged between Tk 700 and 900. Lantern’s rate is sat at Tk 50 to 60 a piece, Tarabaji at Tk 120, Chocolate Bomb at Tk 100-150.
However, Additional Commissioner (administration) AKM Hafiz Akhter said, “We have always been trying to control the sale of such products. DMP marked several online social media pages and working on the issue.”
