The Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has announced that no traditional fairs (melas) will be allowed during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations. Speaking after a preparatory meeting for the Sharadiya festival on Monday, he said, “The fairs that usually happen around this time, where gatherings for marijuana and alcohol sometimes occur, will not be allowed under any circumstances this year. Only a few small stalls with committee approval will be permitted.”
The Adviser emphasized that preparations have been taken to ensure a peaceful Puja, as was the case last year. “This is the most significant religious festival for the Hindu community. Those who have been cooperating with us have promised that the celebrations will proceed smoothly,” he added.
He further elaborated on the security measures: volunteers from the community will monitor the Puja pandals 24 hours a day, with three volunteers during the day and four at night. “They will ensure no problems arise,” he said.
A new mobile app has been launched to allow the public to report incidents directly to law enforcement and verify their authenticity.
Regarding pandal security, the Home Affairs Adviser said that while all forces will be deployed, the primary responsibility for border-area pandals lies with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), supported by police and Ansar personnel. “This year, nearly 33,000 pandals have been set up,” he noted.
He requested that all pandal organizers share their lists with the police beforehand. “Sometimes a few unlisted pandals are set up, which creates challenges for deploying security forces. We have asked organizers to provide details in advance.”
On the timing of immersions (bisharjan), he said, “All immersions should be completed before 7 PM. Arrangements will be made in Dhaka to ensure orderly lines and schedules, similar to villages where immersions are done earlier.”
Addressing concerns of the Hindu community, he said no issues have been raised this year. “Last year, the celebrations were peaceful. This year, they have expressed confidence that it will be even more peaceful.”
Answering questions about potential sabotage from those unable to participate in elections, he said, “Troublemakers will try to create problems everywhere. It is our collective responsibility to prevent this. Around 300,000 Ansar personnel and other security forces will be deployed at the pandals.”
On preventive measures against pandal vandalism, he confirmed, “Our preventive actions have already begun.”
