‘No security threat at Puja mandaps’

Staff reporter :

There is no security risk at puja mandaps across the country during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations, assured home affairs advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

“This is a religious event, security measures have been taken so that people of all faiths can participate while preserving the sanctity of the festival. There is no fear of any untoward incident anywhere,” he said.

The Advisor made these remarks on Monday morning during a visit to the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narayanganj city.

He emphasized that preparations this year are more comprehensive than in previous years, aiming to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all participants.
Later in the day, he attended a meeting of the Law and Order Committee at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to review security arrangements.

Jahangir Alam highlighted that CCTV cameras have been installed at mandaps, and a 24-hour security system involving police, Ansar, and women volunteers will be maintained from September 24 until the festival concludes. Volunteers will be deployed from the start of mandap construction to ensure continuous monitoring.

He also noted that approximately 33,000 puja mandaps are being set up nationwide, each receiving government grants to support the celebrations.
While shops may be established in front of the mandaps, traditional fairs will not be allowed. The placement and management of these shops will be coordinated with the district administration and local puja committees to maintain order and safety.

The security briefing was attended by senior officials, including Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallick, Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, District Police Superintendent Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Alamgir Hossain, RAB-11 Commander Lieutenant Colonel SM Sajjad Hossain, 62 BGB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Salauddin Chowdhury, and Ramakrishna Mission Ashram Principal Swami Eknathananda.
These proactive steps reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that Durga Puja is celebrated peacefully, with robust security measures and strict adherence to safety protocols.