Around 10,000 members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be deployed across the country from October 16 to 22 to help ensure security during Sharadiya Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Hindu community. Lieutenant Colonel Md Mahbub Murshed Rahman, director of operations at BGB Headquarters, confirmed the deployment.
He said the deployment would follow a planned security arrangement aimed at ensuring that Durga Puja is celebrated in a peaceful and festive atmosphere.
Rahman said BGB had adopted an integrated security plan centred on regular patrols, intelligence surveillance and close coordination with local administrations, police and Puja celebration committees.
“Special emphasis is being placed on identifying potential risks in advance, closely monitoring rumours and communal incitement, and responding swiftly to any untoward incidents,” he said.
BGB will provide security support at a total of 2,727 Puja mandaps located within eight kilometres of the border and in areas near battalion headquarters, Rahman said.
Steps have also been taken to establish a sufficient number of temporary camps to ensure rapid patrols and assistance in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
In Dhaka, the scope of BGB deployment and its responsibilities will be determined based on government directives and requests from the relevant authorities. As needed, the force will coordinate with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and local administration to conduct patrols, provide security support at key locations and respond quickly to emergencies.
Rahman said Durga Puja was a prominent expression of Bangladesh’s longstanding traditions of communal harmony and mutual respect.
“BGB will remain fully prepared to ensure that members of the Hindu community can observe their religious festival safely, without disruption and with joy,” he said.
