Bangladesh Police has advised people to remain alert to rumours, avoid carrying bags into Durga Puja mandaps and maintain communal harmony to ensure peaceful and trouble-free celebrations.
The recommendations were issued in a press release on Wednesday (14 October) for puja organisers, visitors and others involved in the celebrations.
Police urged people not to spread misleading information without verifying reports circulating on social media. They also advised against liking, commenting on or sharing posts before confirming the accuracy of the information.
CCTV cameras, fire safety measures recommended
To strengthen security at puja mandaps, police recommended separate entry and exit arrangements for male and female visitors. People were also advised not to enter mandaps carrying bags, sacks or bundles.
Organisers were advised to install CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers, set up archway gates at important mandaps, and ensure adequate lighting at mandaps and idol immersion sites.
They were also encouraged to arrange standby generators or rechargeable lights, where possible, to deal with power outages.
Police stressed the importance of deploying volunteers at mandaps and recommended providing them with distinctive clothing, visible identification cards and armbands marked "Volunteer" so they can be easily identified.
Organisers urged to respect other religious practices
Police called on organisers and visitors to respect the religious sentiments of people from other faiths and maintain communal harmony during the celebrations.
At mandaps located near mosques, the use of sound systems should be restricted during azan and prayer times. Sound systems should also be used sparingly during idol immersion, police advised.
People were also urged to refrain from setting off fireworks and firecrackers during the festivities.
Use designated routes for idol immersion
To ensure smooth traffic movement, police advised organisers to follow designated routes during idol immersion and complete the process at locations specified by the local administration.
Emergency contact numbers
People can call the national emergency service at 999 for police, ambulance and fire service assistance. The service operates 24 hours a day and is toll-free.
Other emergency contact numbers provided by police include:
• Police Headquarters Control Room: 02223380661, 02223381967, 01320001299, 01320001300
• Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP): 02223355500, 01817602050
• Dhakeshwari Temple Central Control Room: 029611353, 01705505529
• SRB Control Room: 0177772009
• Fire Service Control Room: 02223355555, 01713038181, 01713038182, 01730336699
Police also advised people to visit the Bangladesh Police website for contact numbers of district police superintendents and officers-in-charge of police stations.