Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has warned of conspiracies to disrupt Durga Puja 2025, urging police to remain vigilant. Addressing concerns over law and order, he confirmed arrests in the Rajbari Shrine violence and assured that security measures will safeguard both the festival and upcoming elections.
Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has cautioned that conspiracies are being hatched to disrupt the upcoming Durga Puja, the biggest festival for the country’s Hindu community. Addressing police personnel at the inauguration of an election training programme at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka on Sunday, Chowdhury urged law enforcement authorities to remain on high alert during the festival season.
“Some groups might try to destabilise the entire country during the festival. Police must stay as alert as they were last year,” he warned, expressing concern that certain vested interests could attempt to spark unrest in the run-up to both the Durga Puja celebrations and the upcoming elections.
Chowdhury praised the police for their efforts in ensuring peaceful festivities in 2024 but admitted that the overall law and order situation in Bangladesh has shown signs of strain in recent weeks. “The situation was good, but based on recent incidents I would say it has deteriorated slightly. We will try our best to restore it,” he said.
Security Concerns Ahead of Puja
Durga Puja, celebrated by millions of Hindus across Bangladesh, has often been a period of heightened tension, with sporadic incidents of communal violence reported in past years. The adviser’s remarks signal the government’s awareness of potential flashpoints and the need for proactive policing to safeguard citizens during the celebrations.
Referring specifically to the Rajbari Shrine violence that shook local communities earlier this month, Chowdhury confirmed that five individuals had been arrested in connection with the incident. “Once we interrogate them, we may get a clearer picture,” he said. “Negligence will be determined only through investigation. If anyone is proven guilty, action will be taken. If someone is innocent, no action will be taken. Without investigation, how can I say who is responsible?”
His comments underline the government’s cautious approach to both maintaining communal harmony and ensuring due process in a politically charged climate.
Balancing Law, Order, and Elections
The warning also comes against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, a period that traditionally sees heightened political activity and tensions. When asked whether the unrest and recent incidents of violence could disrupt the election atmosphere, Chowdhury expressed confidence in the resilience of the Bangladeshi electorate.
“When people become election-oriented, no one will be able to stop them,” he said, suggesting that while security challenges remain, democratic participation will not be undermined.
Observers note that the government’s dual focus on festival security and electoral preparedness reflects the interwoven challenges facing Bangladesh at this juncture. On one hand, communal harmony remains fragile, especially during sensitive cultural and religious occasions. On the other, political stakes are high as parties gear up for the polls, creating fertile ground for mischief by groups seeking to exploit tensions.
Appeal for Vigilance
Chowdhury’s appeal to the police was direct: remain as vigilant as in 2024, when law enforcement agencies earned praise for their meticulous deployment during Durga Puja celebrations. Extra forces, rapid response units, and intelligence coordination ensured that the festival passed without major disruptions last year.
This year, however, the adviser acknowledged new challenges. Rising political polarization, isolated communal clashes, and recent law-and-order disruptions have all contributed to concerns of potential unrest. Against this backdrop, his warning signals a call for both preventive measures and quick response capabilities.
Community Reassurance
Durga Puja, marked by elaborate rituals, vibrant decorations, and community gatherings, remains not only a religious but also a cultural cornerstone in Bangladesh. Ensuring its peaceful observance is critical for national unity, especially in a country that prides itself on secular values.
The Home Affairs Adviser’s reassurances will likely be closely watched by both religious minorities and civil society groups. Many have repeatedly emphasized the need for confidence-building measures, including visible security arrangements and strong government messaging to deter hate speech or misinformation.
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As preparations for the 2025 Durga Puja begin in temples and community halls across the nation, the government’s pledge to safeguard the festivities will be put to the test. With elections also looming, Bangladesh faces a delicate balancing act — maintaining communal peace while navigating a charged political season.
For now, Chowdhury’s message is clear: vigilance, restraint, and commitment to due process will be key in ensuring that conspiracies to disrupt peace do not succeed.
