Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has said that Durga Puja is being celebrated peacefully across more than 33,000 puja mandaps nationwide due to the combined efforts of all involved.
He made the remarks while inspecting Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka in the evening.
The police chief said religious rituals were taking place peacefully across the country, thanks to cooperation among puja celebration committees, local residents and law enforcement agencies.
He expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by puja organisers and others involved in ensuring a peaceful celebration.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Fakir said Goddess Durga’s victory over Asura conveyed a message of unity against injustice, oppression, discrimination and unrest.
He urged people, regardless of religion, opinion or belief, to work together for the country’s peace, prosperity and development.
The IGP also cautioned against believing or spreading unverified information about isolated incidents surrounding puja mandaps.
He said misinformation and rumours could spread rapidly in the digital age and urged people to verify information before drawing conclusions or becoming confused.
Regarding security arrangements, Fakir said closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and body-worn cameras were being used at puja mandaps to strengthen surveillance.
He said coordination meetings had been held with central leaders of puja celebration committees at Police Headquarters and other levels.
Security measures had also been strengthened through coordination among law enforcement agencies and organisers at divisional, district and upazila levels, he added.
The police chief said volunteers were working alongside law enforcement personnel at every puja mandap to maintain security.
He expressed hope that the festival would conclude peacefully with the immersion of idols through the combined efforts of everyone involved.
Seeking continued public cooperation, Fakir recalled the situation following 5 August, when police activities were absent and people faced uncertainty over their security amid incidents of mugging, robbery and dacoity.
He said Bangladesh Police had since recovered from that situation with public support.
The IGP urged people to continue cooperating with police to eliminate injustice, discrimination and other harmful forces, safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty and improve living standards for all citizens.
