Police direct installation of CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers at Durga Puja venues
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Bangladesh Police has issued special guidelines for organizers, visitors and other concerned parties to ensure that Sharadiya Durga Puja is celebrated in a peaceful, safe and festive environment.
The police have emphasized ensuring security at Puja venues, avoiding rumors, maintaining communal harmony and following designated routes for idol immersion.
The information was disclosed in a message sent by Police Headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, October 14.
According to the message, CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers must be installed at Puja venues. Separate entrances and exits must be arranged for male and female visitors. People can also contact the national emergency service at 999 for prompt assistance in any emergency.
Urging people to refrain from spreading rumors, the police said they must avoid creating confusion without verifying the authenticity of incidents circulated on social media. They also advised people not to like, comment on or share any information, images or videos without verifying them.
CCTV Cameras and Fire Extinguishers
To ensure the safety of visitors at Puja venues, the police have instructed organizers to arrange separate entrances and exits for men and women. Visitors have also been advised not to enter the venues carrying bags, sacks or bundles.
For security purposes, the police have advised organizers to install CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers at Puja venues and set up archway gates at important venues. Adequate lighting must also be arranged at the venues and idol immersion sites. Where possible, standby generators or rechargeable lights should be kept ready to manage power disruptions.
The police have also recommended appointing volunteers to ensure security at the venues. To make them easily identifiable, volunteers should wear distinctive uniforms, visible identification cards and armbands marked “Volunteer.”
Maintaining Communal Harmony
The police have urged people to maintain communal harmony during Durga Puja by respecting the religious sentiments of people from other faiths. In particular, the use of sound systems should be restricted during the call to prayer and prayers at times when Puja venues are located near mosques, as well as during idol immersion.
People have also been advised to refrain from setting off fireworks and firecrackers during the celebrations.
Following Designated Routes for Idol Immersion
The police have instructed organizers to follow routes designated by the local administration during idol immersion to ensure the normal flow of traffic. They have also advised organizers to complete immersion activities at locations designated by the administration.
Emergency Contact Numbers
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.
In addition, people can call the national emergency service at 999, which operates 24 hours a day and is toll free, to seek assistance from the police, ambulance services and Fire Service in any emergency.
The police have advised people to visit the Bangladesh Police website to obtain contact numbers for district Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Officers in Charge (OCs) of police stations.
