The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP) has launched pre‑emptive security operations nationwide to safeguard the forthcoming Sharodiya Durga Puja, aiming to ensure the festival is observed safely and peacefully.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday, members of the Ansar-VDP are touring idol‑making sites, puja mandaps and temples as part of the preparations.

The release states that field‑level members of the Ansar‑VDP are holding discussions with leaders of puja celebration committees, temple authorities and individuals involved in idol production.

The discussions addressed idol security, the law‑and‑order situation during the puja, and the duties and responsibilities of both the puja celebration committees and the Ansar‑VDP members.

The operations are being implemented at district and upazila levels under the direction of Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, director general of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party.

Stipendiary members of the Ansar‑VDP who receive allowances are deployed in the field under the supervision of upazila Ansar‑VDP officers and instructors.

During the visits, officials advised stakeholders to remain vigilant about the security of puja mandaps, the management of entry and exit points, lighting arrangements and fire‑safety measures.

Emphasis is also being placed on coordination with local administration and law enforcement agencies to avoid any undesirable situation.

Additionally, puja celebration committees have been asked to provide accommodation and the necessary facilities for Ansar members who will be on duty during the puja.

Authorities have also asked them to cooperate in maintaining overall security and discipline at puja mandaps, and to take swift, coordinated action during emergencies.

The release added that Ansar‑VDP personnel have been placed on standby to carry out duties at puja mandaps throughout the country, with the aim of ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order during the Sharodiya Durga Puja.

Authorities said that, in coordination with the local administration, law‑enforcement agencies and puja celebration committees, advance preparations and field‑level activities will continue to be undertaken to ensure a safe and peaceful puja.

Why it matters

The deployment highlights the government's efforts to protect minority religious festivals amid security concerns.