Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Sunday ordered police officials to take immediate action against misleading social media posts, rumors and propaganda aimed at disrupting communal harmony during Durga Puja, saying adequate security measures have been taken to ensure peaceful celebrations across the country.
Police have adopted a three-tier security arrangement covering the pre-Puja period, the festival and idol immersion and post-Puja activities, he said while speaking at a meeting on law and order and security arrangements for Durga Puja at the Police Headquarters.
The IGP urged everyone to remain alert and vigilant to prevent any individual or group from disrupting communal harmony during the festival, while also stressing the strengthening of public engagement through community policing and beat policing.
The meeting was attended by heads of different police units based in Dhaka and other relevant officials, with metropolitan police commissioners, range deputy inspectors general, district police superintendents and river police joining virtually.
Police officials were directed to maintain regular contact with prominent members of different religious communities and local residents, and to conduct regular visits to Puja mandaps to ensure robust security throughout the celebrations.
Leaders of Puja celebration committees were urged to contact the national emergency service 999 or the nearest police station if they encountered any situation requiring immediate attention, and to keep CCTV cameras operational with adequate lighting.
Organizers were also advised to arrange standby generators and deploy volunteers at every mandap to maintain round-the-clock security alongside uniformed and plainclothes personnel.
Specialized units including SWAT, Crime Response Teams, Quick Response Teams, crime scene vans and bomb disposal units will remain on standby, supported by round-the-clock monitoring cells at Police Headquarters and other police units.
This year, around 33,000 Puja mandaps are hosting Durga Puja celebrations across the country.
Why it matters
The security directives aim to safeguard communal harmony and prevent disruptions during nationwide Durga Puja celebrations.