Home Adviser Lt. Gen. Md. On Sunday, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) assured that there is no security threat to the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, the largest festival for Bangladesh's Hindu community, scheduled to begin on October 20, 2024.

"Durga Puja will be celebrated this year in an unprecedentedly peaceful and well-organized manner," he stated while addressing journalists at the historic Ramna Kali Mandir in the capital on Sunday.

Durga Puja is an integral part of Bangladesh's cultural fabric, celebrated by millions nationwide. In 2024, around 32,000 puja mandaps have been set up nationwide, with key locations in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet expecting large crowds. This year, additional emphasis is being placed on the protection of these venues amidst heightened public interest.

The Home Adviser revealed that an eight-point directive has been sent to law enforcement and field administration to ensure maximum security measures are in place.

“Police, RAB, Ansar, along with units from the army, navy, and air force, have been deployed nationwide to ensure foolproof security at all puja mandaps,” he added. In major cities like Dhaka, additional surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and mobile patrolling units, are in place. Volunteers will also be stationed at pavilions around the clock to maintain order.

When asked about misleading reports in neighbouring country media regarding security issues, the adviser responded, “You know the neighbouring country is making many claims. I urge the media to portray the true picture of the situation and avoid fueling unnecessary fear.”

He called on local journalists to provide extensive coverage of the government’s security measures and ongoing efforts to support communal harmony.

Addressing concerns about past communal violence, such as the incidents in Ramu and Nasirnagar, the adviser stressed, “Anyone involved in these shameful acts will face justice. This government is committed to upholding law and order.”

Prominent leaders from the Hindu community, including Aparna Ray, Convenor of the Puja Organizing Committee for Sree Sree Ramna Kalimandir and Anandamoyee Ashram, and Member Secretary Bishajit Bhadra attended the briefing.

With robust security in place and a commitment to peace, this year’s Durga Puja is expected to be a symbol of Bangladesh’s inclusive spirit.

Meanwhile, Police Headquarters in a statement Sunday issued a security guideline for all to ensure a peaceful celebration of the Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindu Community.

“The Bangladesh police have already taken enough security measures to hold the Durga Puja in a safe, peaceful and festive manner. Bangladesh police are committed to maintain law and order and ensure security of the lives and properties of the people,” the statement said.

Apart from the measures, police have issued guidelines for making the security foolproof.

In the guideline, all particularly the devotees have been asked to maintain caution as none can harm religious harmony and social peace by spreading rumours or misleading information on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or blogs or mobile phones.

If any such situation is created, inform the police immediately, the statement said.

Police have also suggested setting up separate entry gates for men and women and preventing anyone from entering the puja mandaps with bags alongside installing CCTVs, fire distinguishing equipment and archway gates in the pavilions.

Arrange appropriate lighting at puja mandaps and if possible keep standby generators and ‘hajak’ lights and refrain from blowing up firecrackers or potka (mini explosive), the statement said.

Appoint volunteers to ensure security to the puja condos and give them separate dresses, visible identity cards and arms bands inscribed with volunteers, the police headquarters said.

It also asked to use selected routes for the rallies of the Durga Puja.