Bangladesh Deploys Drones, Helicopters For Durga Puja Amid Minority Safety Fears

Bangladesh has stepped up security across 33,851 Durga Puja venues ahead of the Hindu festival beginning on October 16, deploying specialised police units, round-the-clock surveillance, drones and helicopters amid concerns over the safety of religious minorities.

The celebrations will begin with Maha Shashthi on October 16 and conclude with Bijoya Dashami on October 21, when idols are immersed. Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir announced a three-tier security plan on October 11, covering preparations before the festival, the celebrations and immersion, and the period afterwards.

The arrangements include uniformed and plainclothes police personnel, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, Quick Response Teams, crime scene units and bomb disposal squads. Monitoring cells will operate round the clock at police headquarters and other units to track incidents and coordinate responses.

Special Response Battalion-2 (SRB-2) has also announced intelligence surveillance, regular patrols, checkpoints and a 24-hour control room and hotline. Two helicopters and drones will be deployed during idol immersion, while the battalion's Surakkha app will allow people to report incidents at puja venues directly to law enforcement agencies.

Police have been instructed to act swiftly against rumours and misleading social media posts that could trigger communal tensions. Authorities have also urged officers to maintain contact with local residents and religious representatives, strengthen community policing and ensure adequate security at festival venues.

The extensive preparations come amid minority safety concerns. Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote raised concerns earlier this month over alleged temple vandalism, damage to idols and threats against members of the Hindu community in several districts. The organisation called for stronger protection and impartial investigations into reported incidents.

Puja committee representatives have also sought preventive measures at venues located near mosques and requested steps to ease traffic congestion around crowded pandals. Authorities have said those attempting to disrupt communal harmony through sabotage or other unlawful activities will face firm action.

According to Bangladesh's 2022 census, Hindus account for approximately 8 per cent of the population, or around 13 million people, in the country of nearly 170 million.

The festival is the largest annual celebration of Bangladesh's Hindu community. The increase in the number of venues this year, alongside heightened security measures, places the authorities under pressure to ensure devotees can celebrate safely and peacefully.