RAB's chief says 19 arrested over attempts to ‘disrupt’ Puja festivities at 49 pandals

At least 49 out of 35,000 Puja pavilions across the country were targeted for sabotage, but these attempts were successfully thwarted, Rapid Action Battalion Director-General AKM Shahidur Rahman has said.

After inspecting the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama in Narayanganj on Wednesday, Shahidur said, apart from a few isolated incidents, Durga Puja celebrations are “proceeding smoothly”.

“Of the 35,000 mandaps, 49 faced attempts by saboteurs, cowards, and individuals with malicious intent to disrupt the events,” said Shahidur, an additional inspector general of police.

He added, "We have taken strict legal action in every case and have successfully arrested over 19 saboteurs so far."

Emphasising the country’s tradition of unity, Shahidur said: “This is a Bangladesh of harmony. It is a country for people of all religions, not just one. We all celebrate religious festivals with equal rights, helping one another.”

He said, “Disrupting these celebrations is against the law, and we are taking legal action against those responsible.”

Additional Inspector General of Police Shahidur praised the coordinated efforts of the administration and law-enforcing agencies in ensuring the successful organisation of Durga Puja, which will conclude with Bijoya Dashami.

He also highlighted the involvement of local politicians and community leaders in maintaining peace.

Shahidur expressed hopes for future festivals to be celebrated freely, without security concerns, calling it the “true joy of the nation”.