Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain - Photo : Collected

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS) - Terming Bangladesh as a global role model for communal harmony, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain today encouraged worshippers to celebrate Durga Puja with great enthusiasm.

"The administration will ensure round-the-clock security so that worshippers can perform the puja without any hindrance," he said.

Khalid Hossain also mentioned that a nationwide hotline will be launched this year, enabling individuals to report crime-related concerns. "This initiative will help the administration respond promptly and take necessary action," he added.

The adviser made these remarks as the chief guest at the preparatory meeting for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja 2025 celebration, organized by the Nalapara Sarvajanin Durgotsav Udjapan Parishad in the city this afternoon.

Khalid Hossain said the primary goal of the government is to ensure that worshippers can celebrate Durga Puja peacefully and joyfully.

The adviser also announced that a meeting will be held tomorrow, September 21, at the Secretariat and the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss the nationwide preparations for Durga Puja.

He informed that the allocation for the puja was previously Taka two crore, but this year it has been increased to Taka five crore.

"The Ministry of Religious Affairs is currently constructing a temple and a pond ghat in Tahirpur, Sunamganj, at a cost of Taka 25 crore. Additionally, railway land has been allocated for a temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka," Khalid said.

The Religious Affairs Adviser warned that any disruption of the puja festivities will be dealt with firmly, adding that "the government is committed to holding accountable those who seek to damage religious sites and destabilize the country."

Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, District Police Superintendent Saiful Islam Santu, Trustee of Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Shri Deepak Kumar Palit, Assistant Director of Temple-Based Children and Mass Education Program Chattogram Rinku Kumar Sharma, and President of South Nalapara Temple Management Council Anil Pal, among others, addressed the gathering as special guests.