Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam has instructed all Puja committees across the country to deploy seven guards at each mandap to ensure security until law enforcement forces are stationed. Starting Wednesday, members of police, RAB, and Ansar will be deployed nationwide to oversee festival safety.

“This year, the number of security personnel has been increased to guarantee a peaceful Durga Puja. We do not foresee any major risks, but the government remains alert to prevent untoward incidents,” Jahangir said.

He also touched on cross-border issues, noting that drugs enter Bangladesh from neighboring countries, while rice and fertilizer are smuggled out. “The Arakan Army thrives on drug trade, but compared to before, more consignments are being seized. The government is working hard to eliminate the drug menace,” he added.

Addressing agricultural concerns, Jahangir warned that farmers are not getting fair prices for potatoes. If this continues, they may refrain from cultivating potatoes next year, leading to price hikes.