Bangladesh Police issues security advisory for Durga Puja
It recommended that visitors refrain from carrying any bag, pouch, or potala into the mandaps.
Bangladesh Police has issued a security advisory for all concerned, including worshipers, to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.
The Police Headquarters (PHQ) in a statement today (29 September) asked authorities to take measures to defuse tension arising from rumours circulating on social media.
It also advised taking time to verify the truth, as many reported incidents are ultimately proven to be false.
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The PHQ urged authorities to arrange separate entry and exit routes for male and female visitors arriving at the puja mandaps.
It recommended that visitors refrain from carrying any bag, pouch, or potala into the mandaps.
The PHQ also suggested installing CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers in the puja mandaps and at archway gates of important mandaps.
Authorities were instructed to ensure adequate lighting in the mandaps and at idol immersion sites, and, if possible, arrange standby generators or charging lights.
Volunteers should be appointed to help with mandap security. They must be provided with separate clothing, visible identity cards, and arm bands with the word "volunteer" written on them.
The PHQ also urged people to refrain from bursting fireworks or crackers during the puja.
It emphasised maintaining communal harmony by respecting the religious sentiments of people of other faiths during the celebrations.
During the immersion of idols, all concerned were requested to use the designated procession routes.
For police assistance, if necessary, contact the Police Headquarters Control Room 02223380661, 02223381967, 01320001299, 01320001300;
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Control Room 02223355500, 01817602050; Contact Dhakeshwari Mandir Central Control Room 029611353, 01705505529; Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Control Room 01777720029; Fire Service Central Control Room 02223355555, 01713038181, 01713038182, 01730336699.
To contact the District Police Superintendent and the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the police station, the numbers can be collected from the Bangladesh Police website (www.police.gov.bd).
For any need, call the national emergency service number 999 (toll-free) for 24-hour police, ambulance and fire service services, it added.
