Published: 11:49 PM, 16 October 2026
3,500 coast guard personnel deployed to ensure security during Durga Puja
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has deployed approximately 3,500 personnel across its areas of responsibility to ensure security during the Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations.
Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md. Moinul Hasan disclosed the information on Friday morning while inspecting security arrangements for Durga Puja at Mirpur Central Temple.
He said the Bangladesh Coast Guard plays an important role in ensuring overall security and maintaining law and order in the country's coastal and riverine areas. In line with government directives, the force has also been making significant contributions to securing religious festivals, places of worship and key installations, as well as protecting the lives and property of the public.
As part of its annual security measures, the Coast Guard has deployed personnel to safeguard temples and puja mandaps in areas under its jurisdiction during the major Hindu religious festival.
"Approximately 3,500 of our personnel are working tirelessly to prevent any untoward incidents in our areas of responsibility during the celebrations," the Director General said.
He added that the Coast Guard is working to ensure the security of a total of 615 temples and puja mandaps across its operational zones. These include 63 in the East Zone, 144 in the West Zone, 371 in the South Zone and 37 in the Dhaka Zone.
Ahead of Durga Puja, the Coast Guard has intensified intelligence surveillance and is working jointly with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that members of the Hindu community can celebrate the festival peacefully, safely and in a festive atmosphere.
To prevent waterway accidents during the celebrations, awareness campaigns and round-the-clock patrols are continuing, he said. Special diving teams will also remain on standby at idol immersion sites to respond to potential accidents.
The Director General urged the public to contact the Coast Guard's emergency hotline, 16111, for assistance in the event of any untoward incident, assuring that prompt action would be taken.
"We hope members of the Hindu community will celebrate their religious festival in a peaceful, safe and joyful environment," he said.
He further stated that the Coast Guard would continue such public safety initiatives in the future.
