Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam -File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 30, 2025 (BSS) – Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam today said they are working to prevent any untoward incident during the celebrations of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.

“Our main goal is to ensure that religious harmony remains intact and no untoward incident takes place,” he said.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Police Headquarters.

The Police Chief said strict intelligence surveillance has been in place at the puja mandaps, temples and their surrounding areas since September 1 for safe, peaceful and festive celebrations of Durga Puja.
 
This time, pujas are being held at 33,355 mandaps across the country, according to the Home Ministry.
 
“Police along with other law enforcement agencies are on the highest alert to ensure security across the country,” he said.
 
Replying to a question, the IGP said that so far 49 minor untoward incidents have been reported.
 
So far, 15 cases have been filed in these connections and 19 people have been arrested, he said, adding that some of the accused have already given confessional statements before the courts.
 
“An investigation is underway to find out who is behind these incidents,” he said.
 
Alam IGP said that the cyber unit of the police headquarters is conducting special surveillance to prevent spread of rumors over Durga Puja.

“Necessary legal action will be taken if anyone is found spreading rumours centering Durga Puja,” he said.

The police chief reminded all that Bangladesh is going through a transitional period.
 
“With elections ahead, we are vigilant to ensure that no one tries to destroy religious harmony. All-out preparations have been made by the police to ensure security, especially since the national elections are ahead. Special surveillance is being carried out on the overall situation,” he said.
 
“Every puja pavilion has been given the highest priority. Intelligence surveillance has been ensured even in puja mandaps in remote areas,” he said.
 
Referring to a recent incident of vandalism of statues in Gazipur, the IGP said that some isolated incidents like the incident are happening due to personal anger.
 
However, he said they are also looking into these issues seriously, assuring of taking strict action if anyone from the police force is involved in these incidents.
 
Charge sheets in 55 July Uprising Cases, including 18 murder ones submitted:
 
Replying to a question about the investigation into the July Uprising cases, the IGP said that charge sheets have been filed in 55 cases so far.
 
A total of 1,941 people were charge-sheeted in 18 murder cases while 2,185 others in 37 other cases,” he said.
 
The police chief said that over 1,700 cases have been filed in the incidents of July-August, out of which 766 are murder cases and 974 are other cases.
 
“Investigations in most of the cases are going on,” he said.
 
New police officers along with experienced ones are investigating the cases, he added.
 
Responding to a question about false cases or accusing innocent people, the IGP said that the names of those who are not actually involved in these cases will be dropped.
 
“If any police officer is involved in these misdeeds, strict action will be taken,” he assured.
 
Rape in Khagrachhari
 
Regarding the role of the police in a recent rape incident in the hilly areas, the IGP said that a suspect was arrested soon after receiving the news of the incident.
 
The victim's father mentioned his name and also mentioned the names of two or three others involved in the incident.
 
A medical examination has been completed and a case has been filed in this connection, he said.
 
He said police have shown no negligence in the incident
 
“Investigation is underway, efforts are being made to identify and arrest the remaining accused,” he said
 
Despite this, some quarters are trying to spread unnecessary tension and confusion around the incident, Alam said.
 
Additional IG (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain, Additional IG (Finance) Md. Akram Hossain, Additional IG (HRM) Abu Naser Mohammed Khaled, Additional IG (Crime and Operations) Khondaker Rafiqul Islam, Additional IG (Logistics and Asset Acquisition) Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, Additional IG (Development) Sardar Nurul Amin and others were present at the press conference.