All-out security measures taken for Durga Puja: DMP Chief

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed on Friday said all-out security measures have been taken to ensure peaceful, safe and festive celebration of Durga Puja in the city.

“Durga Puja is one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community. Police will maintain security of puja mandops round the clock,” he said at a press briefing at Dhakeshwari National Temple here.

He said a total of 257 puja mandaps would host the festival in the capital this year. A total of 2,072 police personnel from different ranks would be deployed in addition to their regular duties to ensure overall security during the festival, he added.

Considering the importance of each mandap, number of devotees and visitors, and the overall situation, the mandaps have been divided into four categories, he said.

Members of the law enforcement agencies have been asked to remain alert during their duty round the clock, he said, adding that CCTV cameras would also be used to monitor security at puja venues and surrounding areas.

“We have installed archways at the entrances of important mandaps to facilitate more effective security screening,” Ahmed said.

The commissioner said police personnel from different DMP units would work in coordination to maintain security.

Regular patrols would be carried out around the mandaps, with close surveillance of suspicious persons and objects, he said, adding that necessary preparations have also been made to respond promptly to any untoward incident.

Ahmed said SWAT, explosive recovery and bomb disposal team, dog squad and crime scene unit would remain on standby round the clock to deal with emergencies.

Regarding the immersion of idols on Bijoya Dashami, the commissioner said a special security plan has been drawn up. The immersion procession would begin at Dhakeshwari National Temple and end at Waizeghat, he said.