DMP: Celebrate Durga Puja following health safety rules

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam has called for a joint initiative to not hold processions during this year’s Durga Puja.

He said other religious ceremonies could be held in compliance with health directives and government guidelines to prevent a further spread of the coronavirus.

The DMP commissioner made the observations at a coordination meeting on law and order and traffic management in the Dhaka metropolitan area at the DMP headquarters on Thursday on the occasion of Durga Puja celebrations.

The DMP chief said: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, various national events are being held on a limited scale. Do not allow anyone without a mask to enter any venue.”

He also advised visitors to enter puja mandaps in small numbers through following hygiene rules.

Security measures during Durga Puja celebrations

Security will be strengthened through mobile patrols during the making of idols, the puja, and when idols are immersed in the river. Senior DMP officials will oversee security arrangements at the puja mandaps.

Police will be on patrol duty to prevent pickpocketing, snatching and eve-teasing around the puja mandaps. The puja mandaps will be checked by bomb disposal units and dog squads.

Traffic management

No fairs will be allowed to be held on the roads in order to maintain normal traffic movement. Special traffic control measures will be taken on the road in front of  Ramna Kali Mandir as work on the Metro Rail is going on there. 

Hawkers and vehicle parking will not be allowed on the roads or footpaths. Additionally, loading and unloading of goods is also prohibited on roads used as routes for taking idols for immersion.

Instructions for organizers

The DMP instructed the organizers of puja mandaps to install an adequate number of basins, water tanks, soaps, sanitizers and disinfection chambers at entry points. 

They were also directed not to let anyone enter puja mandaps without wearing a mask.

The organizers also have to install CCTV cameras at the entry and exit points.

The DMP asked organizers to discourage children, the elderly, and sick people from coming to the puja mandaps.

Additionally, no fireworks can be lit anywhere in Dhaka.

People were also told not to join processions when the idols are taken for immersion. Arrangements have to be made so that idol immersions are completed by 6pm.

Notably, Durga Puja celebrations will start on October 22 with Maha Sasthi and will end on October 26 with Vijaya Dashami and idol immersion.