Special security measures have been taken for the upcoming Durga Puja in view of the situation that emerged after the killing of two foreign nationals, said AKM Shahidul Haque, inspector general of police, yesterday.
But he said the intelligence agencies had not warned of any security threat.
“Police will be on duty during Puja and will coordinate with other forces. Contact numbers of local police will be given to Puja committees if they need to seek help in case of emergency,” he said in a meeting.
Apart from police, RAB, Armed Police Battalion, Ansar and community police will be deployed at the mandaps.
According to the police, Durga Puja will be celebrated in 28,345 mandaps, up by 262 since last year, across the country this year.
In Dhaka, there will be 7,824 mandaps, 3,504 in Chittagong, 3,208 in Rajshahi, 4,903 in Rangpur, 4,414 in Khulna, 1,516 in Barisal, 2,143 in Sylhet and 10 in railway areas.
“We have not yet got any complaints concerning security. The number of mandaps has increased and the Hindus have faith on us. All police supers have already been instructed to ensure security at all mandaps,” said Shahidul.
“We have planned some additional security measures for Bijoya Dashami and the Muharram procession. ,” he said.
Police have also asked for the assistance of people to ensure a safe and secure atmosphere.
The inspector general of police said police were working to solve the murders of the two foreigners in Dhaka and Rangpur. “I do not want to say anything else about this. Let us first solve the crimes.”
