Bangla Press Desk: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that the ousted fascist forces are attempting to fish in troubled waters, but no opportunity will be given to create instability. He made these remarks on Sunday (October 25) at a press conference held at the Secretariat regarding the celebration of Durga Puja.
The Home Minister noted that, for the first time in many years, the Hindu community’s Sharadiya Durga Puja in Bangladesh was celebrated in a peaceful, enthusiastic, and secure environment. He highlighted the successful celebration of the festival—while maintaining religious harmony—as a shining example. On behalf of the government, he expressed gratitude and thanks to everyone who worked to ensure this environment.
The Home Minister commended the roles played by the Bangladesh Police, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP), various intelligence agencies, journalists, and citizens from all walks of life in ensuring security during Durga Puja. He stated that it was only through the collective cooperation of all that a peaceful atmosphere could be maintained throughout the festival.
Durga Puja celebrated with maximum financial allocation, robust security, and festive joy: Home Minister.
Reflecting on past Durga Puja celebrations, Salahuddin Ahmed pointed out that over the last 15 to 17 years, the festival had frequently been marred by accidents, untoward incidents, terrorist activities, and the disruption of religious harmony. This year, however, such situations were successfully avoided. He expressed confidence that, with everyone’s continued cooperation, this peaceful environment will persist in the days to come.
The Home Minister explained that this year, the focus was placed on proactive, precautionary security measures. Rather than reacting after an incident had already occurred, the strategy was to implement preventive steps to ensure that no untoward events could take place in the first place.
He further mentioned that a monitoring system—utilizing digital tools and various technologies—was implemented, extending from the grassroots level through the union, ward, upazila, district, and divisional levels. The situation was monitored centrally in real-time, which enabled the early detection of plans to orchestrate untoward incidents. The Home Minister noted that law enforcement agencies have taken necessary measures regarding the incidents that have been identified.
Highlighting details about the organization of Durga Puja and government support, Salahuddin Ahmad stated that the highest number of *puja mandaps* (worship pavilions) to date were set up in 2026. This year, Durga Puja was celebrated across the country in a total of 33,851 *puja mandaps*.
Regarding government grants, he mentioned that the maximum government allocation for Durga Puja was previously four crore taka; this year, the Prime Minister has increased that allocation by one crore taka. He also pointed out the provision for a total of five days of holidays—including the *puja* holidays and the weekly weekend—which includes an additional one-day holiday specifically for the festival.
Furthermore, the Home Minister stated that the allocation of rice per *puja mandap* has been increased by 100 kg, bringing the total to 600 kg. He remarked that these initiatives reflect the government's sincere commitment to maintaining religious harmony and building a unified Bangladesh through the participation of people of all faiths.
The Home Minister affirmed that efforts to advance Bangladesh—while maintaining religious harmony and involving followers of all religions—will continue. He also expressed the hope that a peaceful environment will be sustained through the collective cooperation of the nation's people.
BP/SP
