All outdoor events celebrating the Bangla New Year have to wrap up before evening, says the government.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told the media on Tuesday (Mar 3) that all programmes, including those in the Dhaka University campus and the Ramna Park.

However, events at Dhanmondi’s Rabindra Sharobar will be allowed until 7pm.

Kamal added there is no any ban on indoor programmes at hall rooms, community centres, convention centres or at homes. “Security is the top priority… We are only saying outdoor events have to end by 5pm.”

The authorities did not allow any outdoor events after 5pm on Pahela Baishakh in the past two years.

Denying terror threats over the celebration, the minister said, “These are precautionary measures.

Law enforcers will patrol the key points, including the Ramna Park and the Suhrawardy Udyan as well as plainclothesmen will be deployed to prevent sexual harassment of women.

No sharp objects, such as knife and scissors, and flammable materials will be allowed at programme venues.

Home Minister Kamal said the ban on wearing masks, including in Mangal Shobhajatra, will remain. “But masks can be carried as placards.”