Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- It has been a long-held tradition to revel in the Gregorian New Year with a bang through fireworks from Dhaka's rooftops.

Although illegal, retailers said, the trading of sparklers, crackers, sky-rockets, colour bombs and various other fireworks has increased in the past few days ahead of the start of 2023.

Online shops like Daraz and Facebook-based retailers are also doing a brisk business of such items, said insiders.

Shankharibazar in the city's older part is the key place to source fireworks of varied sizes and types.

Visiting some areas on Thursday night, the FE found thousands from different part of the city gathered at the overpopulated narrow lane to source fireworks.

Ehtesham Hasan, an IT specialist by prof...