Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Sunday directed law enforcement personnel to take prompt measures against deceptive social media content, unfounded rumours, and propaganda designed to undermine communal harmony during Durga Puja, assuring that robust security arrangements are in place to guarantee peaceful festivities nationwide.

Addressing a meeting on law and order and security protocols for Durga Puja at Police Headquarters, the police chief outlined that a comprehensive three-tier security strategy has been instituted, spanning the pre-festival period, the core celebrations and idol immersion, as well as post-Puja activities.

The IGP called upon all citizens to stay vigilant and watchful to thwart any person or faction attempting to disturb communal peace during the occasion.

He further emphasized the necessity of reinforcing public outreach by leveraging community policing and beat policing networks.

Expressing optimism that Durga Puja would be observed securely and joyfully in line with previous years, the IGP appealed for unified endeavors to uphold a serene environment.

The high-level session was attended by heads of various Dhaka-based police units and relevant authorities, while metropolitan police commissioners, range deputy inspectors general, district superintendents of police, and the river police superintendent participated virtually.

Field officers were instructed to maintain ongoing dialogue with prominent community leaders and local residents, alongside conducting routine inspections of Puja mandaps to enforce security.

The police administration affirmed that active measures were being executed to avert any untoward occurrences throughout the celebrations.

Organizers and leaders of Puja celebration committees were advised to reach out to the national emergency helpline 999 or their nearest police station should any emergency arise requiring swift intervention.

Additionally, the IGP requested event organizers to maintain fully functional CCTV surveillance, secure sufficient illumination at all mandaps and immersion points, arrange backup power generators, and station volunteers at every venue for continuous security monitoring.

Personnel in both uniform and plain clothes, backed by specialized teams including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crime Response Teams (CRT), Quick Response Teams (QRT), crime scene units, and bomb disposal squads, will remain on high alert to handle any contingency during the festival.

To ensure seamless oversight, 24/7 monitoring centers will function at Police Headquarters and across regional police units throughout the festive period, as roughly 33,000 mandaps across the country prepare to host Durga Puja celebrations this year.