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DC Zahid: All communities can celebrate festivals safely
Published : Monday, 5 October, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Staff Correspondent
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian has said Bangladesh wants to send a clear message to the world that people of all communities can live safely and celebrate their religious festivals without fear.
He also warned against rumours and misinformation ahead of Durga Puja, saying isolated incidents could be exploited to create unrest and undermine the country's image of communal harmony.
“We want to show the world that every citizen, every community and every ethnic group in this country is safe. They live safely and celebrate their festivals safely,” Zahid said.
He was speaking today at a preparatory meeting on security and law and order for Durga Puja at Chattogram Circuit House.
The DC called for close coordination among the administration, law enforcement agencies, puja committees and volunteers to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Chattogram Superintendent of Police Md Masud Alam said there are 2,287 permanent and temporary puja mandaps in the district outside the metropolitan area, with idols from around 1,800 mandaps expected to be taken out for immersion.
Both the DC and the SP identified rumours and misinformation on social media as a key concern ahead of the festival.
Zahid said even a minor incident could be exaggerated online to create tension, adding that cyber units would monitor and counter misinformation.
The SP urged puja committees to quickly provide verified information if rumours or misleading claims emerge.
As part of the security measures, the DC advised organisers to install CCTV cameras at mandaps wherever possible and prepare duty rosters for volunteers, who should wear distinctive vests or armbands for easy identification.
The SP asked puja committees to submit volunteers' names and phone numbers to the respective police stations. He also urged organisers to resolve any disputes over mandap committees or land before the festival.
Zahid stressed the need for security throughout the celebrations, from the making and transportation of idols to their immersion.
He advised organisers, where possible, to transport idols during daylight hours and complete immersion before sunset.
Adequate lighting and security should be ensured at immersion points, while traffic management should be strengthened to keep access routes clear, the meeting was told.
Organisers were also asked to ensure that vehicles used for immersion processions are roadworthy and drivers physically fit.
“We do not want any sorrow to cast a shadow over the joy of the festival. We want everything to take place in a festive atmosphere,” Zahid said.
The DC also called for preserving the religious significance and cultural traditions of Durga Puja and passing them on to younger generations.
“We need to broaden our minds. If we cannot do that, what will the next generation learn from us?” he said.
Zahid assured organisers of the government's full cooperation in ensuring a peaceful and festive Durga Puja.
Officials from the district administration and police, and representatives of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and other organisations attended the meeting.
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
