Bangladesh police say security to be heightened during Durga Puja celebration

Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 9 to October 13 in Bangladesh.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mainul Islam has directed all police officials to ensure tight security in the country during the Durga Puja festival.

"Police officials will ensure security at all Puja Mondops at the highest level of alert," he told a meeting on law and order and security during Durga Puja at the Hall of Pride in the Police Headquarters as quoted by Dhaka Tribune.

"Police must remain vigilant to avert any untoward incident centering the puja celebration and the cyber monitoring team has been asked to remain alert to prevent the spread of any kind of rumours in social media," he added.

The IGP requested Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (puja celebration council) leaders to contact the national emergency service number 999 or nearby police stations for any emergency needs.

He asked Puja Udjapan Parishad leaders to keep CCTV/IP cameras active and ensure round-the-clock security at all marquees.

Durga Puja is expected to be celebrated across 32,666 puja mandaps in the country this year.

Bangladesh witnessed major political turmoil in recent times when former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government was toppled amid violent protests.

An interim government is currently ruling the government.