Hoping to forget and leave behind pains and unpleasant memories, Bangladesh rang in New Year 2014 on Wednesday amid great political uncertainties.
People are hoping for a year that is not so scarred by violence, of the kind seen in 2013.
Casting worries aside, thousands of revellers welcomed in the New Year noisily with fireworks and party throughout Dhaka and elsewhere early on Wednesday.
The mood this year has been dampened by days of deadly violence that pulversied the length and breadth of the country and sixth spell of transport blockade beginning at 6am.
In Dhaka, partygoers packed the traditional celebration hotspots in Dhanmondi, Dhaka University, Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara. Festive spirit filled the neighbourhoods in town and cities from the New Year’s Eve.
Revellers began their New Year festivities with firework displays in Dhaka, kicking off similar celebrations around the country.
Many set off the traditional fire crackers or fireworks at the stroke of midnight. There were no immediate reports of violence and casualties.
But liquor bans were doing their job and most people were reasonably well behaved even though usual New Year’s gremlins – drunkenness, disorder and liquor ban breaches – returned.
Security was ramped up in posh hotels and clubs in major cities and towns.
In Dhaka, major hotels including Radisson, Sheraton, Sonargaon and The Westin in Dhaka organised overnight parties for revellers.
Clubbers flocked to Dhaka Club, Gulshan Club and Uttara Club to spend their busiest night.
DMP braced for intensive security measures to stop people from going overboard and to ensure that it is a hassle-free sail into the New Year.
Students gathered on the Dhaka University campus to celebrate the New Year as the clock struck the zero hour.
The political violence and strict security measures, however, somewhat muted the New Year’s street celebrations. Some city roads were relatively quiet.
Many celebrated the New Year partying with friends and relatives at home.
Source: Bd news24
