The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force has deployed 7,328 members at 1,126 puja mandaps across Dhaka district and the capital to ensure peaceful and secure celebrations of Durga Puja 2026.
According to a press release issued by the Office of the District Commandant of Ansar in Dhaka on October 15, the deployment includes 5,532 members at 866 puja mandaps in Savar, Dhamrai, Keraniganj, Nawabganj and Dohar upazilas, and 1,796 members at 260 mandaps across the northern, southern, eastern and western zones of Dhaka city.
The puja mandaps have been classified into three categories — highly important, important and general — with personnel deployed according to their security requirements.
Two female Ansar-VDP members have been assigned to each mandap to help ensure the safety of female visitors, maintain order and facilitate safe movement.
Six Ansar battalion striking teams have also been kept ready to respond quickly to emergencies, strengthen security and deal with any untoward incidents. The teams will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies when necessary.
To monitor deployed personnel, collect field-level information and ensure rapid communication during emergencies, a central control room has been established at the district level, alongside control rooms at every upazila and police station level.
Briefing parades have been organised at upazila and police station levels before deployment. Personnel have received instructions on their duties, discipline, security precautions, appropriate behaviour towards visitors, emergency response and coordination with relevant authorities.
Two Ansar-VDP members at each puja mandap have also been assigned as end users of the Sharadiya Surokkha app. They will use the app to report security concerns, unexpected incidents and emergencies immediately, enabling the relevant authorities to take prompt action.
The deployed personnel will perform their duties from October 15 to 22, 2026, maintaining coordination with local administration, police, other law enforcement agencies and puja celebration committees.
Dhaka District Commandant Md Rashiduzzaman, BVM, said that alongside deploying personnel, the force had introduced additional measures, including female security personnel, battalion striking teams, control rooms and technology-based information-sharing arrangements.
He said all deployed members had been instructed to carry out their assigned responsibilities with vigilance, professionalism and accountability.
The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining communal harmony, public security and a peaceful environment during religious festivals, while seeking cooperation from all concerned to ensure uninterrupted Durga Puja celebrations.
