Dhaka: The government has announced comprehensive plans to ensure a peaceful and festive Durga Puja celebration this year. Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has directed various law enforcement agencies to implement all necessary measures for a smooth celebration of the five-day event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government has made significant preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja, which will be celebrated from September 28 to October 2. This year, a total of 32,990 puja mandaps have been established across the country. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has increased allocations for the puja mandaps to Tk 5 crore, reflecting a substantial rise from the Tk 2 crore allocated by the previous Awami League government. Each mandap will also receive 500 kilograms of rice, ensuring a festive atmosphere for the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.
A detailed security plan has been devised following meetings with stakeholders, including leaders from the puja celebration committees. Security will be implemented in three phases: pre-puja, during puja, and post-puja, focusing on idol immersion. Approximately 3 lakh Ansar personnel and 80,000 volunteers from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will be deployed nationwide, supported by police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG), and military forces.
Home Adviser Chowdhury emphasized that law enforcement deployment will commence from September 24 to ensure comprehensive security during the celebrations. The BGB will concentrate on mandaps near border areas, while the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, and River Police will oversee those at coastal and riverside locations. The River Police will also ensure safe idol immersions.
Each puja mandap is required to install CCTV cameras for continuous security. Police, RAB, and BGB patrol teams will conduct regular patrols, with armed forces acting as a striking force. An app has been developed to provide prompt information on any incidents, facilitating immediate law enforcement response. The home adviser assured that there are no security threats this year, and urged the public to ignore rumors related to the celebrations.
Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam confirmed that security measures will be implemented in three phases. Specialized units like SWAT, the Crime Response Team (CRT), and the Bomb Disposal Unit will be on standby to address any potential issues. Monitoring cells will operate at police headquarters to ensure safety.
The police are committed to preventing any disruptions during the celebrations. Puja Udjapan Parishad leaders are advised to contact the National Emergency Service 999 or local police stations to avoid any untoward situations.