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Friday | October 23, 2026 | Dhaka

Ansar-VDP uses technology to strengthen Durga Puja security

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:05 AM, 23 October 2026

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force deployed 212,818 members to provide security at 33,165 puja mandaps across the country during Durga Puja 2026, using digital monitoring and coordinated operations to maintain law and order.

In a press release issued on Thursday, October 22, the force said its security operations began on October 15 and remained active through October 22. Additional measures were also taken to maintain security and ensure the safe movement of visitors following the festival.

The force said 624 members of 104 striking force teams, including Ansar Battalion personnel, were kept ready to respond to emergencies. Security at privately organised puja mandaps was also monitored through the force’s own monitoring system.

According to the headquarters, Ansar-VDP members took preventive or immediate action in 131 incidents related to law and order during the festival.

These included 20 incidents involving attempts to vandalise or break idols, 36 cases involving the resolution of disputes, two attempts to prevent arson and 13 incidents related to drugs.

The force also reported that 49 alleged offenders were arrested in 24 separate incidents, 15 children were rescued and six people were arrested in connection with theft. It recorded 15 incidents involving the recovery of valuables and nine other incidents related to various problems.

Four Ansar-VDP members died and 17 others were injured or fell ill while performing festival-related duties, the press release said.

Director General of Ansar-VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud visited puja mandaps in Dhaka and other parts of the country to oversee security arrangements.

He praised the participation of the public, cooperation from puja celebration committees and coordination among law enforcement agencies, saying joint efforts had helped strengthen communal harmony.

During a visit to Dhakeshwari National Temple on October 20, the director general attended a greeting exchange organised by the Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee. He said public service, accountability and public participation should take priority over a power-centred approach, according to the release. He also paid tribute to Ansar-VDP members who died while on duty, describing their sacrifice as an inspiration for personnel across the force.

Technology played a key role in this year’s security arrangements. The force used AVMIS software to select members, STDMS software to organise deployments and the Autumn Security App to manage digital security activities.

The app was used by 66,330 women Ansar-VDP members serving as end users around the clock. They could report incidents and accidents at their assigned puja mandaps through the platform, enabling coordination with puja committees, police, local administration and other relevant agencies.

The force said the system helped facilitate timely responses to incidents and supported efforts to prevent disorder, rumours and crime.

The release said the combined use of digital monitoring, organised deployment and field-level response could provide useful experience for securing future national events, including elections and large public gatherings.

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force said it remained committed to public safety, law and order, social harmony and humanitarian service through coordinated, community-based security operations.