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Bangladesh Enforces Strict Security Measures for Durga Puja Amid Minority Safety Concerns
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News18•12-10-2026, 12:30
Bangladesh Enforces Strict Security Measures for Durga Puja Amid Minority Safety Concerns
- •Bangladesh has deployed an extensive security apparatus across nearly 33,000 Durga Puja venues to ensure communal harmony during the festival from October 16 to 20.
- •Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir announced a comprehensive three-tier security plan featuring round-the-clock surveillance, specialised units, and monitoring cells.
- •Law enforcement agencies have integrated advanced measures including drones, helicopters for idol immersion, SWAT teams, bomb disposal units, and the Surakkha reporting app.
- •Authorities have issued stern warnings against individuals or groups attempting to disrupt harmony through social media propaganda or sabotage.
Key Questions Answered
Bangladesh has established a three-tier security plan covering around 33,000 Durga Puja venues across the country. The measures include round-the-clock surveillance, deployment of uniformed and plainclothes personnel, specialised units like SWAT teams, crime response teams, bomb disposal units, drones, and helicopters for idol immersion.
Durga Puja is scheduled to be celebrated from October 16 to 20. Additionally, the government declared an extended holiday period for state employees running from October 20 to 24.
According to the 2022 census, Hindus account for 8 percent, representing approximately 13 million of Bangladesh's nearly 170 million people.
