Dhaka:A comprehensive three-tier security plan has been established to ensure peaceful and safe celebrations of the Sharidiya Durga Puja across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir announced the security arrangements during a meeting on law and order at Police Headquarters in the capital. The IGP emphasized the need for adequate security measures to facilitate the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja, the main religious festival for the Hindu community.
The security measures will cover all phases of the festival, including the pre-Puja period, the festival itself, idol immersion, and post-Puja activities. The IGP stressed the importance of communal harmony and urged vigilance to prevent any disruptions. He highlighted the role of community and beat policing in fostering public engagement and expressed confidence in a safe and joyful festival through collective efforts.
Police officials were directed to act promptly against any attempts to disturb communal harmony, particularly via misinformation or provocative content on social media. Coordination with local communities and religious representatives was emphasized, with field-level officers conducting regular visits to Puja mandaps to oversee security.
Puja organisers are advised to contact emergency services if needed and ensure operational CCTV cameras, sufficient lighting, and volunteer presence at Puja sites. Uniformed and plainclothes police officers will be deployed, with specialized units on standby for emergencies. Monitoring cells will operate round-the-clock at Police Headquarters and other units.
Representatives of Hindu religious and cultural organizations expressed satisfaction with the security preparations and thanked the authorities. Senior police officials and other stakeholders attended the meeting, with some joining virtually, and confirmed that this year, Durga Puja will be celebrated in 33,000 Puja mandaps nationwide.