DMP will bar people with bags from entering puja venues

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia says that comprehensive security measures have been taken for Durga Puja celebrations in Dhaka.

No bags will be allowed inside the puja venue as part of these security measures, Mia said during an inspection of Dhakeshwari Temple on Sunday.

“Devotees and visitors are not allowed to bring bundles, bags, backpacks, combustible substances, knives, scissors or any similar instruments. They are completely banned.”

“Police checkpoints will be in every corner,” he said, elaborating on the security measures for the holiday. “Police and volunteers will be assigned to each venue. They will search the visitors … no-one carrying a bag or a bundle will be allowed in.”

There will be 334 puja venues in the Dhaka metropolitan area this year, with nine larger venues. These larger venues are Dhakeshwari Temple, Ramakrishna Temple, the Kalabagan Temple, Siddheswari, Ramna Kali Temple, the Uttara Universal Puja Venue, the Krishibid Institute Social Welfare Association and the Bashundhara Universal Puja Venue.

Security archways and CCTV cameras will be operational at every venue, he said.

The puja venues will be patrolled regularly and Detective Branch and Counterterrorism Unit personnel will be working to prevent theft and harassment, Mia said.

The use of firecrackers, fireworks and narcotics is completely banned, he said.

“A control room has been set up at Dhakeshwari Temple. It will be used to monitor security at every puja venue in the capital.”

No threats have been made regarding attacks on Durga Puja, he said.

The Durga Puja will end on Oct 19 with the immersion of the image of the goddess Durga.

The festival will be celebrated at 31,272 venues across the country this year, with 6,804 in Dhaka, 4,506 in Chattogram, 2,341 in Sylhet, 4,883 in Khulna, 3,542 in Rajshahi, 5,371 in Rangpur, 1,724 in Barishal and 2,101 in Mymensingh.