Dhaka, Oct 06 (V7N): The largest religious festival of the Hindu community, Durga Puja, will be celebrated across 257 mandaps in Dhaka this year. The festivities are set to begin on October 9 and will conclude with the Bijoya Dashami procession and immersion of the idols on October 13.

Key locations for the celebration include Dhakeshwari Temple, Ramkrishna Mission and Ashram, Banani, Kalabagan, Shakharibazar, Siddheswari Kali Temple, Ramna Kali Temple, Jagannath Hall at Dhaka University, and other notable temples and areas like Farmgate, Shakharibazar, and Tantibazar in Old Dhaka. Artisans are currently making final preparations, while traditional shops in Old Dhaka are seeing an influx of customers purchasing festival essentials.

To ensure a peaceful celebration, strict security measures are being put in place nationwide. A central police control room will be stationed at the Dhakeshwari Temple compound to monitor the security of the mandaps in Dhaka. Over 2,12,192 Ansar members will be deployed across 32,666 mandaps nationwide, with Border Guard Bangladesh personnel also remaining on high alert.

The Bangladesh Police have released several safety guidelines to be observed during the celebrations. They urged the public to remain vigilant against any disruptions to religious harmony, particularly through misinformation on social media. Precautionary measures include separate entry and exit routes for men and women, banning bags inside the mandaps, installing CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers, and archway gates, and ensuring adequate lighting with backup systems.

Volunteers will also play a key role in ensuring security. These volunteers should be easily identifiable, wearing ID cards and armbands marked "volunteer." Organizers have been reminded to follow designated routes for processions.

For police assistance, control rooms can be reached at the following numbers:

  • Police Headquarters: 0223380661, 0223381967, 01320001299, 01320001300
  • Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP): 02223355500, 01817602050
  • Dhakeshwari Temple: 9611353, 01705505529
  • Rapid Action Battalion (RAB): 01777720029
  • Fire Service: 02223355555, 01713038181, 01713038182, 01730336699
  • National Emergency Service: Dial 999

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