Staff Correspondent

Law enforcement agencies will take legal action against if anyone spreads disinformation on social media platforms like Facebook regarding the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal came upon with a warning while talking to reporters after a meeting on the law and order issue during the celebration of Pahela Baishakh held at his secretariat office in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Pahela Baishakh is the first day of the Bengali calendar which is also the official calendar of Bangladesh.

This festival is celebrated on 14 April in Bangladesh and 15 April in the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, Jharkhand and Assam (Barak Valley) by Bengalis regardless of religious faith.

He said all events to be held in different areas including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka University, Hatirjheel and Rabindra Sarobar, must be concluded by 6 pm on the day.

Furthermore, fireworks and lanterns will be prohibited for the sake of public safety and the district administrations, the police department will remain active to ensure foolproof security across the country, he said.

Special security measures will be taken at many important locations like Ramna Botomul, Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka University, Hatirjheel, and Rabindra Sarobar.

The law enforcers and members of intelligence agencies will remain vigilant during the event so that no one can go for any untoward incident on this occasion, said the minister.

Special security arrangements will be ensured for diplomatic zones and establishments in the capital Dhaka.

Firefighting officials equipped with fire trucks and ambulances will be deployed at all strategic points nationwide during the Bangla New Year celebration programme. Medical teams will also be kept prepared.

Mobile courts will be deployed to prevent incidents of harassment, vandalism, pickpocketing, or other undesirable activities during the celebration.

Additionally, playing banned instruments like the vuvuzela horn will be prohibited.

High-quality food will be served in prisons nationwide during the Bangla New Year, accompanied by cultural events.

Measures will also be implemented to prevent drug abuse during the celebration.