Bangladesh is currently observing the festival of Durga Puja under comprehensive security arrangements as authorities look to ensure the safety of the Hindu minority community. The festivities, which represent the largest annual religious gathering for the country's Hindus, have seen the establishment of 33,851 puja mandaps across the nation. This figure, reported by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, marks an increase of nearly 1,500 venues compared to the previous year. In the capital, Dhaka, there are 258 designated locations for the celebration.
To maintain order and provide a secure environment for worshippers, the government has implemented a multi-layered security strategy. This includes round-the-clock surveillance and the deployment of uniformed and plainclothes police officers. Specialized units, such as SWAT teams, quick response squads, and bomb disposal units, have been integrated into the security apparatus. Additionally, police headquarters are operating dedicated monitoring cells to oversee the situation in real-time. The Special Response Battalion-2 has also intensified intelligence efforts, patrols, and the use of checkpoints, supported by a 24-hour control room and a specialized hotline for incident reporting.
Advanced technology is playing a key role in these safety efforts, with authorities planning to deploy drones and helicopters during the idol immersion ceremonies. Furthermore, a newly launched mobile application allows citizens to report any suspicious activity or incidents directly to law enforcement. These measures come as the government seeks to provide a sense of security for the nearly 13 million Hindus in Bangladesh, who account for approximately 8% of the country's total population of 170 million, according to 2022 census data.
In messages delivered on October 16, 2026, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized the importance of communal harmony. Mr. Rahman urged the Hindu community to participate in the festivities with joy and confidence. He stated, “Religion belongs to individuals, while the state belongs to all. Everyone has the right to security, regardless of religion.” The Prime Minister also noted that his government remains committed to creating a humane and safe nation for all citizens, irrespective of their political, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. He is scheduled to visit a puja venue in Chattogram on October 20.
President Alamgir echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the festival is deeply woven into the cultural fabric and heritage of Bengal. He expressed hope that the event would further strengthen the bonds between people of different faiths. The President called upon the relevant authorities to ensure that all religious communities can celebrate their traditions without discrimination or fear. He further noted that the government is actively supporting the development and renovation of Hindu places of worship, extending similar assistance as provided to other religious institutions in the country.
Responding to long-standing requests from the Hindu community, the government extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days. Combined with the regular weekend, this has resulted in a five-day break from October 16 to 20. Additionally, the government increased the financial allocation for puja mandaps from Tk 4 crore to Tk 5 crore, or approximately ₹3.86 crore. The rice allocation provided to each mandap was also raised to 600 kg, up from the previous 500 kg.
As the celebrations continue, the administration remains focused on its commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The emphasis from the country's top leadership underscores a broader policy goal of protecting the right to worship in a multi-faith society, ensuring that the festival proceeds in a peaceful manner across all regions of the country.
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