To ensure that the celebration of Sharadiya Durga Puja remains smooth, safe, and festive, the Director General of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), Major General Abdul Motalab Sajjad Mahmud, visited the Puja Mandap at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Farmgate, Dhaka, this Monday afternoon. The visit was part of his ongoing efforts to personally oversee the security duties performed by the force’s personnel. During the visit, he extended his festive greetings to everyone present and distributed commemorative gifts. The Puja Celebration Committee warmly welcomed him, presenting him with a ceremonial scarf (*uttariya*).

While inspecting the site, he reviewed the overall security situation at the Puja Mandap, the activities of the Ansar-VDP personnel on duty, and the integrated security arrangements coordinated with the Puja Celebration Committee. The Director General stated that Ansar-VDP personnel are playing a direct and responsible role in ensuring security for Durga Puja. In coordination with the Puja Celebration Committee and other law enforcement agencies, any potential disruptions or issues at the Puja Mandaps are being addressed immediately.

This year, the security framework has been further strengthened through the extensive installation of CCTV cameras at the Puja Mandaps, alongside the implementation of the ‘Sharadiya Suraksha’ (Autumnal Protection) app, which facilitates integrated, real-time response and operational vigilance. The Director General specifically noted that even Puja Mandaps organized privately on individual premises are being closely monitored by the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP’s dedicated oversight teams. This ensures that the security situation is monitored and maintained across all Puja Mandaps, regardless of their scale or location. He instructed the personnel on duty to maintain professionalism, discipline, and a cordial demeanor.

Emphasizing that no opportunity will be given for anyone to disrupt communal harmony or incite chaos through provocations, rumors, or malicious propaganda, he stressed the importance of taking swift and appropriate action in accordance with regulations should any untoward incident occur. During the autumn Durga Puja, members of the Ansar-VDP are making significant contributions not only by ensuring security but also through humanitarian service.

They are playing an active role in locating children who have gone missing at the Puja venues and reuniting them with their families, assisting elderly visitors, maintaining overall order, and preventing various forms of disruption. Simultaneously, they are acting responsibly to address potential security risks—such as curbing the activities of juvenile gangs, deterring those who harass women, and monitoring the movements of suspicious individuals.

The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) remains committed to upholding religious harmony, public safety, and a peaceful environment. The force’s members will continue these efforts to ensure public security, implement technology-driven security management, provide responsible service, and safeguard the festive atmosphere.