Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia has said no bags will be allowed inside Durga Puja celebration venues as part of security measures.
The DMP chief came up with the statement while talking to the reporters after visiting Dhakeshwari Temple on Sunday, reports bdnews24.com.
He informed that comprehensive security measures have been taken for Durga Puja celebrations in Dhaka.
“Devotees and visitors are not allowed to bring bundles, bags, backpacks, combustible substances, knives, scissors or any similar instruments. They are completely banned,” Asaduzzaman Mia said.
“Police checkpoints will be set up 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,” the police official added.
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 October 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.
