Strict Measures Ordered Against Communal Agitators

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, has stated that strict legal measures have been ordered against those spreading rumours and inciting communal tension on social media in connection with the Durga Puja celebrations.

He made these remarks on Sunday (28 September) at the Secretariat following a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order.

Security Preparations for Durga Puja

• Total Puja Pandals Nationwide: 33,355 (around 1,000 more than last year)
• Ansar Deployment: 24 September – 2 October (9 days in total)
• Personnel Involved:
  • Approximately 100,000 armed forces members nationwide
  • 24 base camps established across the country
  • 430 BGB platoons engaged in security duties
  • Each pandal has a 7-member committee, working in shifts for 24-hour security
  • NTMC app links volunteers to the security operation
  • Women and Children Affairs Ministry has deployed around 80,000 volunteers
  • Police personnel: approximately 70,000 across the country

Law Enforcement and Intelligence Measures

• Increased surveillance on high-risk pandals
• Strict action directed against rumour-mongers and communal agitators on social media
• Committee members reported incidents of rumours during temple inspections
• Home Advisor confirmed no significant threats of sabotage this year
• Expansion in security personnel due to increased number of pandals ensures safer celebrations

Observations from Field Inspections

• Advisor Jahangir Alam personally inspected puja pandals in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj
• Found no signs of widespread concern among attendees
• Noted that a small number of extremists are responsible for spreading misinformation

Election Considerations

• With the national election scheduled in February, security preparations have been aligned to maintain law and order
• The Advisor emphasised that the Home Ministry is preparing with the election context in mind, as also communicated to the United Nations