This time, the number of law enforcement officers has increased along with the mandap during the autumn Durga Puja, said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd.).
The advisor gave this information while briefing reporters after the meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday (September 28, 2025) afternoon.
The advisor said that this time, the number of puja mandap across the country is 33,355, which is about 1,000 more than last time. He said that on the occasion of Durga Puja, Ansar members have started performing security duties at each puja mandap. A total of 2 lakh 3 thousand 564 Ansar members will perform this duty across the country for nine days until the Dashami (the day of idol immersion) on October 2. Moreover, about one lakh armed forces personnel are working across the country for the security of Durga Puja. In addition, 70,000 police and 430 platoons of BGB are responsible for the overall security of the puja mandap.
Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd.) said that seven members of the mandap committee will be on duty 24 hours a day in each puja mandap. The advisor said that 80,000 volunteers have been appointed by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare for the occasion of Durga Puja. Arrangements have been made to coordinate with the police and Ansar, as well as the district and upazila administrations, for easy identification of volunteers. He said that measures have been taken to link the volunteers with the NTMC app to monitor the activities of each puja mandap. He also said that a monitoring committee has been formed including local dignitaries, students and the public to ensure the security of the puja mandap. Members of other law enforcement agencies including the police are conducting regular patrols. Moreover, intelligence surveillance has been strengthened on risky temples and puja mandap.
The Home Affairs Advisor said that strict legal action will be taken against miscreants and rumor mongers who are trying to destroy communal harmony around the autumn Durga Puja through social media. This will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said that instructions have been given to the concerned to prevent false and misleading information through social media and disseminate correct and clear messages to the public.
The Advisor also said that there is no fear about Durga Puja. Some fascist allies are talking about fear. I have already visited many puja mandap. He expressed hope that this time Durga Puja will be held smoothly, safely and in a festive atmosphere.
The meeting discussed the overall law and order situation in the country, the incident that took place in the hilly district of Khagrachari yesterday, the Raksu and Chaksu elections, the National Assembly elections, security on the Myanmar border, especially the prevention of drug smuggling, etc.
Members of the core committee on law and order participated in the meeting.
