Law enforcement personnel to be deployed from Wednesday for Durga Puja: Home adviser

Members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the country from Wednesday (September 24) to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja, Home Affairs adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said.

"Besides, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will appoint 80,000 volunteers during the festival this year as it is important for all of us to remain vigilant," Jahangir said while talking to reporters following a meeting on law and order at the Secretariat today (21 September), reports UNB.

The adviser said idol vandalism has significantly decreased this year. "Those involved in idol vandalism are being identified through CCTV footage."

On smuggling, the adviser said narcotics are entering the country through various routes, and goods such as rice, fertiliser and medicines are also being smuggled out.

Smuggling is not limited to Cox's Bazar and Chattogram routes but also continues through river routes in Barishal and Barguna, he added.

A large quantity of drugs is being seized as the Arakan Army survives based on the drug trade, he said.

'Polls will be peaceful, festive'

Jahangir reiterated that the upcoming general election will be held in a festive and peaceful manner, reports BSS.

Replying to a question about media reports on uncertainty about the polls, the adviser said the country is independent and the media is as well.

"So you can speak freely, which you could not before the July Uprising," he said.