Govt to issue 18-point directive to ensure peaceful Durga Puja

With the Hindu community’s largest religious festival, Durga Puja, set to begin at the end of this month, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an 18-point directive to maintain peace and order during the celebrations.

In a special online meeting scheduled to be held today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m via Zoom, senior officials including commissioners from eight divisions, police commissioners, district commissioners (DCs), and police superintendents (SPs) gathered to discuss security arrangements. The meeting was also attended by Home Adviser Lt. General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam and Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani from the ministry.

The comprehensive guidelines aim to prevent any sabotage or untoward incidents and ensure smooth law enforcement throughout the festival period.

Key points of the directive include intensified visible patrolling by police, RAB, Ansar, and VDP personnel, enhanced intelligence monitoring, and proactive preventive measures to quickly address any unexpected incidents. Local administration and law enforcement officials will conduct regular inspections of Puja pandals to ensure security.

Officials were instructed to monitor social media closely to curb the spread of provocative or inflammatory content targeting religious sentiments. Puja committees must deploy adequate volunteers and install CCTV cameras to ensure 24/7 surveillance.

In an inclusive approach, monitoring committees comprising community leaders, students, and respected citizens will be formed at district and sub-district levels under the leadership of DCs and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs).

Strict vigilance will be maintained against individuals causing disruption, including checks to prevent entry of suspicious items into the pandals. Cooperation between Puja committees and law enforcement will be essential to maintain peace.

The directive also highlights the prohibition of firecrackers and fireworks during the festivities, with measures planned to enforce permanent bans on their sale and use. Additional safety measures include ensuring proper lighting and firefighting equipment at idol immersion sites, with fire service divers on standby during immersion rituals.

Furthermore, temporary repairs will be made to roads leading to pandals to facilitate smooth transportation.

Officials were also briefed on preparations for the upcoming national parliamentary elections, emphasizing heightened alertness to counter any conspiracies aimed at election disruption.

The Ministry of Home Affairs urged all officials to work diligently and responsibly to ensure a peaceful and joyous Durga Puja for all communities.