The Special Response Battalion (SRB) has found no specific information so far about possible sabotage or extremist attacks targeting Durga Puja celebrations, while deploying around 6,500 personnel daily to maintain security across the country.
SRB Director General and Additional Inspector General of Police Md Ahsan Habib Palash disclosed the information to journalists on Sunday after visiting Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka.
He said the force had introduced special security measures to ensure peaceful celebrations of Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.
“Although no specific information regarding any sabotage or extremist attack targeting Durga Puja has been found so far through intelligence gathering, cyber monitoring and analysis of other information, SRB remains fully prepared to tackle any potential threat,” he said.
Palash said around 6,500 SRB members, 550 pickup vehicles and 450 motorcycles were conducting visible patrols daily across the operational areas of 15 battalions until October 22.
Intelligence surveillance has been strengthened nationwide, while dog squads and bomb disposal units are carrying out security sweeps at important puja mandaps and other key locations.
Special teams remain on standby for emergencies, with additional personnel held in reserve.
The force is also coordinating with local puja committees, public representatives and other law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order.
Its headquarters control room is monitoring security arrangements nationwide, while CCTV cameras are being used to oversee important puja venues.
The SRB chief warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to create disorder at puja venues.
He added that the force’s cyber monitoring team was maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation that could provoke tensions or undermine communal harmony.
Those spreading false or provocative content to disrupt communal harmony would be identified and face legal action, he said.
Durga Puja began with Maha Shashthi on October 16 and will conclude with Bijoya Dashami on October 21.
Palash said the SRB was working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure devotees could celebrate the festival peacefully across the country.