Home advisor warns of strict action against Durga Puja rumour-mongers

"The fascist government's accomplices are spreading misinformation in various ways," he says, urging journalists to help curb it

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury says that strict action will be taken against those spreading rumours on social media regarding Durga Puja, the largest annual festival for Bengali Hindus.

He made the remarks following a weekly meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat on Sunday.

"Social media is being monitored and strict action will be taken against those spreading rumours."

Stating that rumours were being spread in many places, he called for caution.

"The fascist government's accomplices are spreading misinformation in various ways," he said.

He sought the cooperation of journalists in stopping this flow of misinformation.

In addition to the ongoing puja, the Khagrachhari incident and the upcoming national elections were discussed at the core committee meeting, he said.

In response to a question about the Khagrachhari incident, he quoted a news report published in a media outlet and said: “The information I have, I received from you. However, the advisor on hill tract affairs has discussed the issue with the concerned parties.

This year, 33,355 puja pavilions have been set up across the country for Durga Puja. The advisor said that it is about 1,000 more than last year.

In addition to 100,000 Army personnel, 430 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh, 70,000 police personnel, volunteers under the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, and about 80,000 Ansar personnel will be deployed for the occasion.

"Twenty-four base camps have been set up to maintain law and order at 2,758 puja pavilions across the country."

In response to a question, he said: "There is no risk centred around the puja.”

The number of law enforcement personnel deployed has been increased in line with the rise in the number of puja pavilions, he said.