“We Do Not Want to Hear Alcohol or Drugs Sold During Puja”: Home Affairs Adviser

Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser, has emphasised that during Puja celebrations, police commissioners are responsible for ensuring that both legal and illegal alcohol shops remain closed and that all necessary measures will be taken.

He made these remarks on Wednesday (24 September) after inspecting the Puja pandal at JM Sen Hall and visiting the Chattogram Metropolitan Puja Celebration Council office.

Regarding rumours and misinformation, the Home Affairs Adviser urged journalists: “Do not pay attention to rumours. Report the truth. Do not spread false news. Neighbouring countries often circulate fake news; if you report the truth, it will expose them.”

Earlier, Arpan Kanti Banerjee, Acting President of the Chattogram Metropolitan Puja Celebration Council, requested the Home Affairs Adviser to ensure that all alcohol shops in Chattogram remain closed during the Puja period. He stated: “We do not want to hear that alcohol or drugs are being sold in Chattogram during Puja. If shops remain open, many people will buy, but if closed, no one will have access. There should not be any alcohol shops near the Puja pandals. We request you to take the necessary measures.”

On the same day, General Chowdhury also inspected the JM Sen Hall Puja pandal, urging those responsible to maintain security and the sanctity of the site. During the visit, he noted: “Cleanliness is maintained very well in the JM Sen area. Tiles are applied where necessary. I have requested daily cleaning. Additionally, volunteers, CCTV cameras, Ansar personnel, and security forces will be present. There will be a dedicated officer for women and children. The sanctity of the site must be preserved.”

Earlier, during a meeting at Chattogram Circuit House with divisional Deputy Commissioners, law enforcement, and other officials, the Home Affairs Adviser warned: “People should remain alert so that minor incidents are not used to spread misinformation. Some incidents may occur locally, while others may not, yet they spread on media or social media, exaggerating the situation unnecessarily.”

He called for the media’s cooperation: “We have given clear instructions to the heads of forces—those involved in incitement or spreading misinformation must be brought under the law. This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. There are no major issues anywhere in the country. Religious sanctity must be protected.”

Advocate Nikhil Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of the Chattogram Metropolitan Puja Celebration Council, praised the government’s preparation and cooperation: “The current government has shown sincerity and full support in ensuring the overall preparation and security for Durga Puja. The Army, Police, Ansar, and RAB are properly deployed. Today, the Home Affairs Adviser inspected the JM Sen Hall pandal and advised everyone to remain alert. He also issued special instructions to prevent cyber crimes or the spread of rumours from abroad and urged people not to pay attention to such misinformation. We are grateful to the government for this support and diligence.”

Key Measures and Observations

This initiative reflects the government and Home Affairs Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and spiritually respectful Puja festival in Chattogram.