Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized on Monday that gatherings involving alcohol or drugs will be strictly prohibited during this year’s Durga Puja festivities.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting on Puja preparations at the Secretariat, the adviser highlighted that fairs near mandaps, where alcohol and cannabis are often consumed, will not be allowed. “This year, such activities will be banned,” he stated.
To ensure security, the adviser mentioned that all Puja mandaps will be placed under continuous surveillance with sufficient deployment of Ansar personnel. In border areas, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will oversee the security of the mandaps, while Ansar forces will be stationed throughout the country.
Regarding the idol immersion process, Lt Gen (retd) Chowdhury urged that idols be immersed one at a time in an orderly fashion to maintain discipline.
This year, a total of 33,000 Puja mandaps will be set up nationwide. The adviser reassured the public, stating that after the peaceful celebrations last year, this year’s festivities will be even more secure and organized.
