January 1, 2006	Sunday	Ziqa’ad 29, 1426

DHAKA, Dec 31: Police in the Bangladeshi capital raided university dormitories on Saturday, detaining more than 100 people, in a precautionary move to ensure order on New Year’s Eve, police said.

“Over 100 were arrested from Dhaka University residential halls. Most of them are not students of the university and we have learnt that they came here to join the New Year’s revelry,” Dhaka police chief Mizanur Rahman said.

Last Thursday, Mr Rahman warned potentially ‘unruly’ New Year’s Eve revellers to curb their enthusiasm, especially those planning to drink alcohol.

“Stern action will be taken against the young men who would be engaged in immoral and objectionable activities,” Mr Rahman said.

The police chief said at least 5,000 troops would be on guard in the capital to keep a watch on any rowdy parties at Dhaka University campus and in the city’s upmarket districts.

Police said in a statement they would especially target ‘unruly and indisciplined parties which include publicly drinking wine and engaging in obscene activities’.—AFP