Published: 03:19 PM, 17 October 2026
7,328 Ansar-VDP Members Deployed at 1,126 Durga Puja Venues in Dhaka; Six Battalion Strike Teams on Standby
The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force (Ansar-VDP) has undertaken extensive security measures across Dhaka district and metropolitan areas to ensure the peaceful, orderly and safe celebration of the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja 2026.
A total of 7,328 Ansar-VDP members are being deployed at 1,126 puja mandaps (worship venues) across Dhaka district and the capital. Of them, 5,532 members will be stationed at 866 puja mandaps in Savar, Dhamrai, Keraniganj, Nawabganj and Dohar upazilas of Dhaka district, while 1,796 members will be deployed at 260 puja mandaps across the North, South, East and West zones of Dhaka Metropolitan City.
The puja mandaps have been classified into three categories—highly important, important and general—with personnel deployed according to the level of security required. Two female Ansar-VDP members will be stationed at each puja mandap to help ensure the safety of female visitors, maintain order and facilitate safe movement.
Six Ansar Battalion striking teams have been kept on standby to respond swiftly to emergencies, strengthen security and address any untoward incidents. If necessary, the teams will take prompt action in coordination with the relevant law enforcement agencies.
To monitor the deployed personnel, collect field-level information, maintain communication and ensure rapid coordination during emergencies, a central control room has been established at the Dhaka district level, along with control rooms at every upazila and police station level.
Before assuming their duties, Ansar-VDP members will attend briefing parades at the upazila and police station levels. The briefings cover their roles and responsibilities, do’s and don’ts, discipline, vigilance, conduct towards visitors, emergency response procedures and coordination with the relevant authorities.
Two Ansar-VDP members at each puja mandap have also been assigned as end users of the Sharadiya Surokkha (Autumn Festival Security) app. In the event of any untoward incident, security concern or emergency at a puja venue, they will promptly report the information through the app, enabling the relevant authorities to take necessary action without delay.
The deployed Ansar-VDP members will perform their duties at designated puja mandaps from October 15 to October 22, 2026, for a period stated as six to seven days. During this period, they will maintain coordination with the local administration, police, other law enforcement agencies and puja celebration committees.
Dhaka District Commandant Md. Rasheduzzaman, BVMS (Bar), said that, alongside deploying personnel to ensure security at every puja mandap, the force had introduced additional measures, including the deployment of female members, battalion striking teams, control rooms and technology-based information-sharing systems.
He added that all personnel had been instructed to carry out their assigned duties with vigilance, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.
The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force reaffirmed its commitment to preserving communal harmony, public safety and a peaceful environment during religious festivals. The force has sought the cooperation of all concerned to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted celebration of Durga Puja 2026.
