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A total of 212,118 members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party have been deployed across the country to ensure security during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
Eight Ansar members will be assigned to each of the 6,914 puja mandaps identified as high-risk, while six members will be deployed at each regular mandap. Strike patrols will also remain on standby to respond swiftly to any untoward incidents.
Ansar Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud disclosed the information at a press conference at the force’s headquarters in Khilgaon, Dhaka, on Thursday morning.
He said information on 33,165 puja mandaps had been recorded nationwide, with 6,914 classified as important locations requiring special security attention.
A total of 104 strike patrols will operate alongside the deployed personnel to coordinate security between mandaps and respond quickly to incidents. The patrols will also help prevent opportunistic groups from escalating minor incidents into major disturbances, he said.
The force will again use its ‘Surokkha App’ to strengthen security coordination, as it did last year. Around 66,000 members will be registered on the app, enabling authorities to receive information quickly and coordinate responses with police and other law enforcement agencies.
The director general said technology-based coordination had also been used successfully during the last national parliamentary election and would remain an important part of this year’s security arrangements.
He added that the force had its own monitoring system to supervise deployed personnel. Any reported irregularities or incidents would be addressed promptly, and action would be taken against members found engaging in biased conduct.
Acknowledging that allowances for Ansar members deployed during Durga Puja were relatively low, he said they received around Tk450–500 per day. Proposals had been submitted to increase their salaries and allowances.
He also highlighted logistical challenges, noting that members often remain on duty until late at night. Discussions had been held with the ministry to ensure necessary support, including food and other facilities, in coordination with puja celebration committees.
Regarding potential security challenges, he said maintaining adequate personnel at their assigned locations and ensuring logistical support were key priorities. Members had been instructed to remain patient and perform their duties responsibly even if crowds became agitated or they faced attacks, he added.
The force has also coordinated with police and other law enforcement agencies through district-level briefings and coordination meetings to prevent rumours and ensure a swift exchange of information.
Durga Puja celebrations are scheduled to take place from October 16 to 21 across the country. The director general said necessary instructions had been issued to personnel deployed on the ground to ensure the festivities proceed peacefully.