DHAKA, 16 October 2026 – The Bangladesh Coast Guard has deployed around 3,500 personnel across its areas of responsibility to ensure security during Sharadiya Durga Puja, with special arrangements in place at 615 temples and puja mandaps. Director General Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hasan disclosed the information during a visit to Mirpur Central Temple yesterday morning to inspect security arrangements ahead of the festival.
The force is working to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of the public during the celebrations, he said. Of the 615 temples and puja mandaps under the Coast Guard's security coverage, 63 are in the East Zone, 144 in the West Zone, 371 in the South Zone and 37 in the Dhaka Zone.
Coast Guard has also intensified intelligence surveillance and is coordinating with other law‑enforcement agencies to ensure that members of the Hindu community can celebrate Durga Puja peacefully and safely. To prevent accidents on waterways during the festival, the force has continued public‑awareness campaigns and round‑the‑clock patrols. Special diving teams remain on standby at idol‑immersion sites to respond to potential accidents.
The director general urged the public to contact the Coast Guard's emergency hotline, 16111, for assistance in the event of any untoward incident. He emphasized that the Coast Guard would continue its public‑safety initiatives to maintain security during religious festivals and protect people and property.
The deployment underscores the Coast Guard’s critical role in protecting public safety during major religious festivals across Bangladesh, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring security during periods of heightened communal activity.
Observers note that the coordinated effort involving multiple zones and agencies demonstrates a comprehensive approach to festival security, combining traditional policing with specialized maritime oversight to address potential risks on both land and water.
Why it matters
The deployment highlights the Coast Guard’s critical role in protecting public safety during major religious festivals across Bangladesh.