A total of 212,118 members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force (VDP) have been deployed across the country to ensure security during the celebrations of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the country’s Hindu community.
Ansar and VDP Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud disclosed the information at a press conference at the force’s headquarters in Khilgaon, Dhaka, on Thursday morning.
Eight Ansar members will be on duty at each puja mandap identified as vulnerable, while six will be deployed at each regular mandap.
The DG said information on 33,165 puja mandaps has been registered this year. Of these, 6,914 have been identified as important, and special emphasis is being placed on ensuring their security.
He added that 104 strike patrols would operate alongside the members deployed at the puja mandaps. The patrol teams would help coordinate security among the mandaps and respond quickly to any untoward incidents.
The force would use the “Sharadiya Surokkha” app this year, as it did last year, to ensure security during Durga puja. A total of 66,000 members would be registered on the app. It would help authorities obtain information quickly in the event of an incident and coordinate with police and other law enforcement agencies.
He said a similar technology-based system had been used successfully during the previous national parliamentary election. The app would again serve as one of the key tools for coordination.
Ansar-VDP has its own monitoring system to supervise the activities of members assigned to security duties. Prompt action would be taken if any irregularity or incident was reported. Action would also be taken against any member found to have acted in a biased manner, he said.
Allowances for deployed members
The Ansar-VDP chief acknowledged that the allowances paid to Ansar members assigned to Durga Puja duties were low. Each member receive approximately Tk450 to Tk500 per day for their duties. However, proposals had been submitted to increase their salaries and allowances.
Members often remain on duty until late at night, making it important to ensure adequate logistical support. Discussions were held with the ministry concerned, and assurances had been received that the necessary support would be provided, he said.
One of the key objectives of reforming the Ansar and VDP was to develop a service-oriented mindset among its members. The force was encouraging them to perform their duties with the utmost sincerity, even with limited facilities.
When asked about the challenges of ensuring security during Durga puja, the DG said that although the number of personnel was relatively limited, it was essential to ensure that they reported for duty and remained at their assigned posts.
He identified logistical support as a major challenge, stressing that members deployed at mandaps needed food and other essential facilities. The force would coordinate with puja celebration committees to ensure these arrangements.
He added crowds or tense situations could develop under certain circumstances. Members had been instructed to remain patient and continue performing their duties in such situations. They had also been directed to maintain control of the situation and carry out their responsibilities even if they came under attack.
Measures to counter rumours
On preventing rumours and coordinating security, DG Abdul Motaleb said the force is working in coordination with police and other law enforcement agencies.
Briefings have already been held at the district level, along with coordination meetings involving various agencies. The app, “Sharadiya Surokkha”, would also play an important role in the rapid exchange of information and coordination, he informed.
Preparations are underway to celebrate the puja in a festive atmosphere from 16-21 October. Necessary instructions had been given to personnel assigned to duties at the field level to ensure security during the celebrations, he added.
