Durga Puja: Police detains 17 in 35 incidents so far, says IGP

Police have detained 17 individuals in 35 untoward incidents amid the Durga Puja celebration so far, said Md Mainul Islam, inspector general of police (IGP).

"There have been some isolated incidents. We have taken action for each of them. As of now, 11 cases and 24 general diaries [GDs] have been filed with the police in 35 incidents," he said during a visit to the Banani Puja Mandap in Dhaka tonight (11 October).

Mentioning that this year's Durga Puja was quite challenging, the IGP said many had expressed concerns about the festival.

"We assured everyone before the commencement of the Puja that it would be celebrated peacefully. Durga Puja is being celebrated this year with great festivity," he added.

Mainul said the constitution recognises the right of people of every religion to practise their faith.

"Apart from a handful of criminals, the people of Bangladesh are peace-loving. We stand by the peace-loving citizens. The police are committed to bringing criminals under the law," he added.

In response to a question from journalists, the IGP said that Durga Puja is being celebrated in more than 32,000 Puja Mandaps across the country this year.

The IGP was accompanied by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mainul Hasan, along with other senior police officers, and the leaders of the Banani Puja Mandap management committee.

Later, the IGP visited Durga Puja Mandaps in Bashundhara and Uttara and exchanged greetings with the worshippers.