Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed on Tuesday assured people of a peaceful and smooth celebration of Durga Puja in the capital, saying foolproof security measures will be in place across Dhaka.
Describing the first major Hindu religious festival under the current democratic government as an “acid test”, he said the DMP will remain on high alert to ensure the safety of devotees and visitors at every puja mandap.
The DMP commissioner made the remarks while chairing a meeting on security, law and order and traffic management for the five-day Durga Puja, beginning on October 17, at the DMP Headquarters.
He said comprehensive security measures will be in place for the Durga Puja celebrations and idol immersion.
Every puja mandap will be brought under CCTV surveillance, while mandap in-charges will perform duty wearing body-worn cameras, Mosleh Uddin said.
He said police personnel in uniform and plainclothes, along with SWAT, Crisis Response Team, Quick Response Team, Crime Scene Van and Bomb Disposal Unit, will remain ready throughout the festival.
Addressing the leaders of the puja celebration committees, the DMP chief urged them to remain vigilant and make efforts to ensure the security of their respective mandaps.
He also asked them to keep an eye on puja committee members, volunteers and visitors.
Mosleh Uddin called on people to contact the National Emergency Service 999 or the nearest police station in case of any emergency.
He expressed hope that the upcoming Durga Puja will be celebrated safely, smoothly and in a festive atmosphere through the collective efforts of all concerned.
DMP Joint Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented detailed information on the DMP’s security, law and order and traffic management measures for the Durga Puja through a PowerPoint presentation.
Leaders of the puja celebration committees sought all-out cooperation from the DMP to ensure security at puja mandaps and smooth traffic management during the festival.
DMP Additional Commissioner (Protection and Diplomatic Security) Md Abul Bashar Talukder, Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) Md Shafiqul Islam, Additional Commissioner (Logistics, Finance and Procurement) Md Masud Karim, Additional Commissioner (Special Response Unit) Mohammad Shamsul Haque, and Additional Commissioner (Estate, Development and ICT) and Additional Charge of Crime and Ops Mohammad Osman Gani, among others, attended the meeting.
Representatives of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad were also present.