Bangladesh Police and Administration’s Security Protocol on the Occasion of Autumn Durga Puja was Commendable
MD Babul Bangladesh Correspondent
Bangladesh Police and Administration’s Security Protocol on the Occasion of Autumn Durga Puja was Commendable
MD Babul Bangladesh Correspondent
In the adverse conditions of the country, the traditional Hindu community of Bangladesh celebrated Durgotsav in a grand and festive atmosphere and the Bangladeshi administration’s security protocol was commendable. Bengal’s traditional Autumn Durga Puja ended today. Idol immersion has already been completed in various places in the district. This year, Durga Puja was held in a total of 2,202 puja mandap in Chittagong district. Chittagong District Police has implemented extensive activities to maintain law and order during the entire festival period, maintain communal harmony and ensure maximum safety of devotees and visitors.
Administrative and Coordination Activities:
Several coordination meetings were held with the District and Upazila Puja Celebration Council, Puja Committee and representatives of civil society before the start of the puja. In this, security plans, identification of risky mandap, distribution of responsibilities and actions were determined.
Separate meetings were organized with journalists, public representatives, idol artists and volunteers so that they could be part of the security arrangements.
Focal point officers were appointed in each police station, who maintained round-the-clock contact with the puja mandap committee.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was formulated by the district police to prevent rumors and deal with any situation. It gave clear instructions on how to take quick decisions at each level. Ground-level security activities:
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of each police station ensured security issues by keeping in regular contact with the puja mandap committee.
Senior officials including the Superintendent of Police visited the spot and observed the security arrangements at the puja mandap. A total of 2,452 police personnel were deployed at each puja mandap in the district, who took turns in their duties.
A Quick Response Team (QRT) was kept ready in each police station, so that immediate action could be taken in case of emergency.
Special traffic plans are taken to ensure smooth movement of visitors. Alternative routes are determined and additional police are deployed to resolve traffic congestion.
Special patrols, check posts are strengthened and mobile patrol teams are deployed at night. Integrated security activities are conducted with Ansar and volunteers, so that public confidence is created at each pavilion.
As soon as news of any dispute is received, the Circle Officer, Officer-in-Charge is present on the spot and the problem is resolved quickly with the local public.
. Intelligence and cyber monitoring activities:
Intelligence surveillance is increased against any terrorist, extortionist or sabotage group around the puja mandap. CCTV cameras are installed at important pavilions and round-the-clock monitoring is carried out.
The cyber monitoring cell of the district police is active to prevent rumors on social media.
Counter narratives are immediately disseminated regarding rumors or propaganda and legal action is taken against those spreading rumors.
. Public relations and awareness activities:
The District Police regularly gives briefings to journalists so that the public gets accurate information.
Awareness announcements and instructions are given to devotees and visitors coming to the puja mandap, such as bag search, not carrying lighters/flammables, keeping extra watch on children, etc.
The Superintendent of Police holds road meetings at various places to involve the local people in maintaining communal harmony.
Publicity activities are intensified to maintain peace, harmony and a brotherly atmosphere. All activities of the District Police are regularly posted and live on the “Chittagong District Police” Facebook page.
Special role of the Superintendent of Police:
Superintendent of Police Md. Saiful Islam Santu inspected the idol preparation sites, puja mandap and idol immersion sites in different areas of 17 police stations of BPM-Bar district.
He supervised the work of the police members from the field level and provided immediate solutions in case of any problem. He shared the joy of the festival by exchanging views with the devotees and visitors. He assured the people of all walks of life that the district police is always committed to establishing security and peace of the people.
Chittagong District Police Superintendent Md. Saiful Islam Santu BPM-Bar said, “Autumn Durga Puja is not just a religious festival, it is a festival of Bengali tradition and culture. Every member of the district police has worked tirelessly to ensure a peaceful celebration of Durga Puja this year. No major untoward incident occurred during the puja—this is a joint success of all of us. The cooperation of people from all walks of life is needed in the future to maintain communal harmony and maintain peace and order.”
Chittagong District Police has successfully completed the security activities of Autumn Durga Puja-2025. Currently, police members of every police station in the district are on the highest alert to ensure a safe and orderly idol immersion.
To encourage responsible police members during the celebration of Durga Puja 2025, the Chittagong District Police Superintendent has announced the award of “Double GS” to every member.
The district police is expressing gratitude to everyone for their dedication and bravery. In addition, sincere congratulations and thanks are extended to the peace-loving people of Chittagong for their cooperation in the work of the police.
