Police have taken strong security measures across the country to ensure that Durga Puja is celebrated in a peaceful, smooth, and festive atmosphere, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir said on Sunday.
Presiding over a law and order and security coordination meeting in Police Headquarters, the IGP said police have adopted a three-tier security system covering pre-Puja, Puja period, and post-Puja stages including idol immersion.
He noted that security operations centered on the festival have already commenced.
Emphasising public involvement through community and beat policing, the police chief urged all quarters to remain alert so that no group or section can disrupt social harmony over the festival.
Calling upon everyone to maintain vigilance to guarantee a joyful atmosphere, he expressed confidence that through collective efforts, Durga Puja will be celebrated safely and joyfully this year as in previous years.
Addressing field-level police officers, the IGP issued strict directives to take immediate action against those attempting to destroy communal harmony by uploading misleading posts, propaganda, rumours, or photos on social media.
Field officers were also instructed to maintain round-the-clock contact with residents and eminent figures of various religions to preserve communal harmony, alongside conducting regular visits to Puja mandaps.
The meeting was informed that police remain fully vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents during the festival, which is being celebrated across approximately 33,000 Puja mandaps this year.
Leaders of Puja Udjapan Parishad were requested to contact National Emergency Service 999 or their nearest police station immediately if any untoward situation arises.
The IGP also appealed to Puja Udjapan Parishad leaders to keep CCTV cameras active throughout the Puja, ensure adequate lighting at mandaps and immersion sites, maintain standby generators, and deploy volunteers at every mandap for round-the-clock security.
To tackle any unforeseen circumstances during the festival, specialised units, including SWAT, Crime Response Team (CRT), Quick Response Team (QRT), Crime Scene Vans, and Bomb Disposal Units, will remain on standby alongside uniformed and plainclothes police personnel. Additionally, a 24/7 monitoring cell will operate at Police Headquarters and other police units.
Attending leaders of the Hindu community and various organisations expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements taken for Durga Puja and thanked the government and police administration.
