Dhaka: Enhanced security measures have already been implemented around 33,000 Puja Mandaps across the country to ensure peaceful celebrations of the five-day Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, which begins tomorrow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, apart from the police, RAB, BGB, Coast Guard, and military personnel, around 200,000 Ansar personnel and 80,000 volunteers from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs have been deployed nationwide. This deployment aims to provide a protective security blanket for safe and peaceful Puja celebrations.
The home adviser has assured that all possible measures have been taken for the peaceful and festive celebrations of the upcoming Durga Puja. This year, approximately 32,990 puja mandaps have been established across the country to celebrate Durga Puja from September 28 to October 2, as reported by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
Budget allocations for the puja mandaps have increased to TK 5 crore this year from TK 2 crore, the amount allocated during the previous Awami League government. The interim government had allocated TK 4 crore last year for Durga Puja celebrations. Each puja mandap will also receive 500 kilograms of rice in addition to the monetary allocations to ensure festive celebrations.
The government has devised a detailed security plan for peaceful Puja celebrations after holding meetings with all stakeholders, including puja celebration committee leaders. Security will be enforced in three phases: pre-puja, during puja, immersion of idols, and post-puja around the Puja Mandaps nationwide.
Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury revealed that law enforcement deployment has been in place across the country since September 24 to ensure a security blanket over Puja celebrations. The BGB has been instructed to focus on puja mandaps in border areas, while the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, and River Police will oversee mandaps at coastal and riverside locations.
Around 430 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are working to ensure overall security at 2,857 puja mandaps across the country, including the capital city. Twenty-four base camps of BGB have been established to maintain law and order, particularly in border areas.
River Police have been specially assigned to ensure the safe immersion of the Goddess Durga's idols. "Eight Ansar men and seven volunteers appointed by the respective puja celebration committee will be deployed at each puja mandap alongside volunteers from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs," stated the home adviser.
To make security foolproof, patrol teams from police, RAB, and BGB will conduct regular patrols around the puja mandaps, with armed forces personnel acting as a striking force. An app has also been developed to provide prompt information on any possible untoward incidents at the puja mandaps, enabling law enforcers to take immediate action.
The home adviser confirmed there are no security threats regarding Puja celebrations this year. Police, RAB, and military personnel will oversee overall security measures for peaceful and festive celebrations. "So, there is no security concern. Durga Puja will be celebrated this year with due religious fervour, sanctity, and festivity," he stated.
He urged everyone not to heed any rumors regarding the Puja, seeking cooperation for peaceful and festive celebrations. He expressed hope that this year's Durga Puja celebration will surpass previous years. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam emphasized that police will implement security measures in three phases to ensure peaceful Puja celebrations.
SWAT, Crime Response Team (CRT), and the Bomb Disposal Unit will be on standby round the clock to handle any possible untoward situation during Durga Puja. Monitoring cells will be operational at Police Headquarters and other police units during the festival.
Efforts are underway to prevent anyone from causing any untoward incidents during the Puja. Puja Udjapan Parishad leaders are advised to contact the National Emergency Service 999 or the nearest police station to avoid any untoward situations.