The city hot spots, except a few in the more affluent areas, looked forlorn last night, as would-be revellers kept away from going out to celebrate the FROM PAGE 1

New Year’s Eve fearing arrest and harassment amid unusually tight security measures to prevent any untoward situation.

Outdoor jubilation was seen only on Dhaka University (DU) campus. Apart from that celebrations welcoming the Year 2005 were held only at a few posh clubs at Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara.

The almost deserted city streets slept through the cold weekend night.

The only untoward incident took place at about half an hour after the advent of the New Year, when police went to Topkapi restaurant at Gulshan and asked an ongoing party there to disband. Enraged the revellers abused and physically assaulted some of the reporters and lensmen who were there to cover the incident and broke at least four of their cameras.

Around 4,000 police, paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) were deployed on the city streets to check any trouble. Besides, eight dog squads, 12 horse-mounted teams, 130 women police, and cold and coloured water canons were on hand.

"We've deployed 4,000 law enforces in the capital to maintain law and order. Dog squads, women and mounted police were also on hand," said SM Mizanur Rahman, acting commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Security was beefed up in the traditional party areas like Gulshan. Banani, Baridhara and Dhanmondi. at Mohakhali crossroads. Airport intersection and South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, on and around the DU campus, Eden College and Badrunnesa College, and some city outskirts including AshuliyaandAbdullahpur.

Law enforcers at several city points were empowered to search any car. Besides, seven special squads of Department of Narcotics Control were on patrol to prevent possible nuisance by drunks.

The DMP imposed limited restriction on vehicular movement in Gulshan. Banani and Baridhara and on the DU campus. Only private cars were allowed to enter the posh areas through Kakali crossing and along Gulshan Shooting Club Road and the DU campus through Shahbagh crossing from 8:00pm to 4:00am. Fire brigade, ambulances and other emergency services were out of the restriction.

President lajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in separate messages yesterday greeted the people of the country and expatriate Bangladeshison the occasion.

’rhe president in his message expressed the hope that achievements and evaluation of the last year will inspire everyone to carry on their duties and responsibilities throughout the newyear.

"My heartiest greetings for the people of the country and the expatriate Bangladeshis on the occasion oftheNewYear'sDay,1' thePMinher message said.