Dhaka: Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced today that law enforcement agencies will maintain high alert status around the clock at 33 mondops nationwide to ensure a peaceful celebration of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for the Hindu community. “The puja mondops will be under 24-hour security surveillance as the Durga Puja can be celebrated peacefully like every year,” he stated after a security arrangement meeting at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Adviser directed organizers to deploy three individuals at each mondop during the day and four at night to ensure continuous surveillance. Ansar personnel will also be appointed at the puja mondops to strengthen security and prevent any untoward incidents. In addition to Ansars, members of RAB, armed forces, and BGB will be tasked with ensuring peaceful celebrations across the country.
The BGB will specifically oversee security at puja mondops located in border areas, while Ansars will be appointed nationwide. The Home Adviser emphasized that fairs around the mondops will not be permitted to prevent gatherings involving alcohol and marijuana. However, one or two shops may be set up with the permission of Puja celebration committees.
Technological measures have also been implemented, with the development of apps to facilitate prompt action in case of incidents and to counter rumors. Jahangir urged all concerned parties to complete the immersion of the goddess Durga by 7pm. He also reported that approximately 33,000 puja mondops will be established across the country, with specific numbers in various metropolitan and range areas.
Responding to inquiries about security personnel, the Home Adviser mentioned that around 3 lakh Ansar personnel will guard the puja mondops, with police permanently deployed at some locations. Other law enforcement agencies will function as a striking force to enhance security.
Addressing concerns about potential subversive acts during Durga Puja, the Home Adviser acknowledged the threat posed by miscreants but stressed the importance of collective prevention efforts. He assured that those causing disruptions will face justice, as they lack political identities. The Hindu community remains hopeful for a more peaceful celebration than in previous years.