Ansar-VDP has deployed 212,818 members nationwide, with another 624 personnel kept ready in 104 strike teams to respond to emergencies.
TBS Report
15 October, 2026, 08:20 pm
Last modified: 15 October, 2026, 08:27 pm
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is setting up 18 base camps and strengthening patrols to ensure security at around 1,800 Durga Puja mandaps located within eight kilometres of the country's borders.
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui disclosed the plan while talking to reporters after inspecting security arrangements at Ramna Kali Mandir in the capital this afternoon (15 October).
He said BGB personnel had already visited the mandaps and contacted puja committees in their respective areas to coordinate security measures.
"Risks of different kinds can arise at any time. We are collecting intelligence, receiving information from various agencies and working to ensure comprehensive security so that the celebrations can take place without disruption," the BGB chief said.
He also said the force would also ensure security at puja mandaps near its headquarters in Pilkhana and other battalion, sector and regional headquarters outside border areas, in coordination with police and other law enforcement agencies.
Ashrafuzzaman said the BGB regularly coordinates with the authorities of Ramna Kali Mandir, Dhakeshwari National Temple and other nearby puja mandaps in the capital.
He said a 24-hour control room had been opened at BGB headquarters to maintain communication with puja mandaps.
Ansar-VDP deploys over 212,000 members nationwide
The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) has deployed 212,818 members across the country to ensure security during Durga Puja, including 146,488 men and 66,330 women.
Ansar-VDP Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud disclosed the information at a briefing at the force's headquarters today.
Another 624 members have been kept ready in 104 strike teams formed with Ansar Battalion personnel to respond quickly to emergencies, he said.
He also said security personnel had been deployed at puja mandaps and temples in three categories based on their importance and sensitivity.
A total of 6,914 mandaps classified as highly important have been assigned eight Ansar members each, while 11,781 important mandaps and 14,470 general mandaps have been assigned six members each.
The force said it had strengthened security arrangements through modern technology, digital surveillance, trained personnel and coordination among different agencies.
Ansar-VDP said its members were performing their duties with professionalism and dedication to help ensure public safety and religious harmony during the festival.
At the briefing, the director general also rewarded three Ansar members for their contributions to maintaining public safety.