Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom said on Thursday night that the authorities would arrest six youths within 48 hours who took the stage at a puja mandap and sang two songs, including an Islamic one, claiming they would only sing a patriotic song. “No matter who they are and how powerful they are, they will be arrested within the next 24 to 48 hours,” she said while visiting the JM Sen Hall Puja mandap. Durga Puja celebrations in Dhaka draw crowds amid tight security measures A group of six youths disrupted the puja stage at JM Sen Hall, the largest puja mandap in the port city, and sang two songs, which angered the Hindu community, who were peacefully celebrating Durga Puja. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, with some claiming that the offenders were Shibir members, although the identities of the youths have yet to be confirmed. Hindus celebrating Puja peacefully: Home Adviser “We can’t take it lightly. This is a heinous act. We are trying to identify them through proper authorities,” Bangladesh Puja Celebration Committee, Chattogram Finance Secretary Sukanta Mohajan Tutul told UNB at the puja venue. He mentioned that the youths initially informed the Puja Committee members that they would sing a patriotic song but instead sang two Islamic songs. Tutul added that they had identified the individuals as members of the Chattogram Cultural Academy. Rumour Scanner, an independent Bangladeshi fact-checking website that debunks fake news, myths, and misinformation, confirmed that the viral video was real and unedited. DC Farida Khanom criticised the person in charge of the stage at the time, stating that they did not perform their responsibilities properly. She also urged the Puja Celebration Committee to take action against the person responsible for managing the stage. “Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony. This is a festival for all. We have taken all necessary preparations to ensure peaceful celebrations of the festival,” she said. Puja Committee President Ashish Bhattacharya said the incident was hurtful and assured the local administration that they would suspend the person who was in charge of the stage. Speaking to UNB, Tutul explained that they arranged cultural functions in two sessions and that the incident took place during the first session. CA's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir, Assistant Press Secretaries Nayem Ali and Shuchismita Tithi, and senior government officials visited the site and talked to the Puja Committee members. President of the Chattogram Cultural Academy, Selim Jaman, claimed that the Puja Committee had invited them to perform. About 2,000 police personnel were deployed in the city to ensure security during Durga Puja. In Chattogram, Durga Puja is being celebrated at 2,458 locations, including 293 puja mandaps in the city and 2,165 in 15 upazilas of the district. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to all members of the Hindu community in the country and reiterated that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain has said the responsibility to protect and enhance the country's image lies with people of all religions because the country belongs to everyone. The adviser said this while visiting the Banani Puja Mandap in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. "We are like a family. Our constitutional rights are equal for all. We must be cautious and responsible to ensure that the country's image is not tarnished,” Khalid said. "All kinds of security measures have been taken to ensure that the Durga Puja festival goes smoothly. Necessary instructions have been given to the police, Ansar-VDP, Army, Navy, and Air Force for ensuring security. Additionally, a control room has been set up at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. “If any miscreant comes to attack puja mandaps or vandalize the idols, they must be apprehended and handed over to the law enforcement authorities. The government will ensure the highest punishment for these miscreants according to the prevailing laws,” added the adviser. "We are still self-centered. We cannot make space for others in our hearts. We need to broaden our hearts and expand our perspectives. We must enhance mutual harmony and unity,” the adviser also said. "Previous governments generally allocated Tk 2 crore for assisting puja mandaps during Durga Puja. But this year, the current government has allocated Tk 4 crore. The government has taken all possible measures to ensure that the Sanatan religion followers can celebrate the Sharadiya Durga Puja festival with religious solemnity and enthusiasm,” he also said. Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen, Secretary of Religious Affairs Md. A.H. Hamid Zomadder, General Secretary of Gulshan Banani Puja Foundation Asim Kumar Joardar, and leaders of the Puja Celebration Committee were present at the time, among others.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks across the country will remain closed on Thursday, October 10, in observance of Durga Puja, following a government-declared holiday. The Ministry of Public Administration issued an official notification on October 8, confirming the nationwide general holiday as part of Durga Puja celebrations. The holiday was announced via an executive order from the interim government. In response, Bangladesh Bank issued a separate notice through its Department of Offsite Supervision. The notice was circulated late Tuesday night, informing banks of the closure. Read: Cumilla’s Bibir Bazar land port to remain shut for six days marking Durga Puja However, bank branches, sub-branches, and booths located in key areas such as seaports, land ports, and airports will remain operational under special arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services in these crucial sectors. This holiday closure is part of the national observance of Durga Puja, a major religious festival for Hindus. Read more: Durga Puja begins