Durga Puja to be celebrated peacefully in festive atmosphere: DMP Commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali expressed optimism that this year’s Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, will be celebrated in a peaceful and festive atmosphere across the capital.

He made the remarks while speaking at a preparatory meeting held at the DMP Headquarters on Thursday (September 18) to review law and order and finalise security measures for the upcoming festival.

“The overall law and order situation in the city is stable. With the cooperation of all, we are hopeful of ensuring a smooth and joyous celebration of Durga Puja without any disruptions,” said the DMP Commissioner.

At the meeting, DMP Joint Commissioner (Operations) Md. Shahidullah presented the official security plan for this year’s festivities. He informed that 258 puja mondops will be set up across Dhaka city. Each mondop will be provided with dedicated security arrangements, and special traffic management will also be in place throughout the festival.

He added that enhanced security would be ensured during the idol immersion ceremonies as well.

Additional Commissioner (Administration) Md. Sarwar emphasized the importance of keeping surrounding roads clean and in good condition for the comfort of devotees and visitors. He also stressed the need for strict fire safety measures at the mandaps.

Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md. Nazrul Islam cautioned that no puja mondop should be left unattended under any circumstances. He said CCTV surveillance will be intensified and urged all to remain vigilant against misinformation or rumors, especially on social media platforms, during the festival period.

Leaders of various religious and community organisations—including the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad, Mahanagar Puja Udjapon Parishad, Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad, and representatives from Ramakrishna Mission Math—were also present at the meeting. They expressed satisfaction with the DMP’s comprehensive security strategy and thanked the authorities for their continued support.

The Durga Puja celebrations are set to begin at the end of this month, with preparations already underway at mondops across the city.