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Inspector General of Police Md Mainul Islam has said there are no security risks associated with the upcoming Durga Puja, a major festival for the Sanatan community in Bangladesh.
Speaking after a seminar at the Tourist Police Headquarters on Topkhana Road, he said devotees can celebrate the festival without any concerns, reports bdnews24.com.
“Devotees in this country can perform their worship peacefully. There is no fear of militant attacks during Durga Puja,” he said.
“Nevertheless, police will remain on high alert, and there will be no compromise on security,” he added.
The festival will commence with Mahalaya on Oct 2, followed by Shashthi on Oct 9, Saptami on Oct 10, Ashtami on Oct 11, and Navami and Dashami on Oct 12.
The festivities will conclude with the immersion ceremony on the evening of Oct 12.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the Police Headquarters announced a three-tier security arrangement for the Durga Puja, covering pre-festival, during the festival, and post-immersion phases.
Security measures have already begun at puja venues.
This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 32,666 pandals across the country.
Police will maintain a presence in both uniform and plain clothes, along with SWAT teams, Crisis Response Teams, Quick Response Teams, crime scene vans, and bomb disposal units on standby throughout the celebrations.
After the seminar titled “Environmental Sustainability in Tourism: Role of Police,” the IGP also addressed questions regarding police operations following the recent political turmoil.
He said, “Around 500 police vehicles have been burnt during the protests. Replacements have been made for the damaged vehicles, and while there were some initial challenges, all police stations are now functioning normally. Police are working with all stakeholders.”
During the seminar, the IGP highlighted the crucial role of the Tourist Police in ensuring the safety of tourists and preserving the environment to foster the growth of the tourism industry.
He emphasised the need for collective action in sustainable environmental preservation.
“The Tourist Police are tirelessly working to attract both domestic and international tourists. They are collaborating with the tourism department, government and private tour operators, local communities, and NGOs,” he said.
The IGP called on the Tourist Police to coordinate with the Forest and Environment Department to prevent environmental degradation.
He said, “Tourism plays a significant role in our economic and social development. We all need to be conscious of ensuring a sustainable environment to promote the growth of the tourism sector.”
Prof Santus Kumar Deb from Dhaka University's Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management presented the keynote paper at the seminar.