More than 16,000 police personnel have been deployed across Dhaka to ensure security during the immersion of Durga idols, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner (Operations) Md. Shahidullah said.

This year, idol immersion will take place at 33 locations across the capital, with the largest number of immersions scheduled at Waisghat.

Shahidullah briefed journalists on preparations for the immersion at Palashi intersection on Wednesday (October 21).

He said more than 16,000 police personnel had been deployed at different locations across Dhaka. Of the 33 designated immersion points, Waisghat will host the largest number of idols.

Procession to End at Waisghat

Shahidullah said the procession would begin at Dhakeshwari National Temple and conclude at Waisghat, where the immersion ceremonies would take place.

Idols were already being brought to designated locations for participation in the procession, he said, adding that the procession was scheduled to begin shortly after the briefing.

Multiple Security Units on Alert
Explaining the security arrangements, the DMP official said uniformed police personnel had been deployed alongside members of the Detective Branch (DB), Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC), SRU, SWAT and the Bomb Disposal Unit.

Members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and SRB have also been assigned security duties.

Shahidullah said this year’s Durga Puja celebrations in Dhaka were taking place under the highest level of security arrangements. No untoward incidents had been reported so far, he added, expressing hope that the remaining celebrations would also pass without incident.

He said police were fully prepared to respond to any untoward situation and that all necessary measures had been taken to address potential security threats.

DMP Seeks Public Cooperation
Appealing to residents of the capital, Shahidullah urged everyone to cooperate in ensuring that the celebrations concluded in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.

He also sought the cooperation of city residents throughout the final stage of the festivities, including the immersion of Durga idols, which marks the conclusion of Durga Puja.