Durga Darshan Digitalized: App Aims for Smooth Celebration

A new mobile application has been launched to ensure a seamless observance of the upcoming Durga Puja, according to Home Affairs Advisor Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Speaking on Wednesday, September 17, during a visit to Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka, he said the app will provide detailed information on the locations and events of the festival.

“This year, the Puja will be even more vibrant than last year,” Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said. “The festival will proceed smoothly and joyfully. A new app has been launched to facilitate this. Through the app, people will know what is happening where.”

The Home Affairs Advisor added that law and order remain stable, and there is no threat of attacks. “Nevertheless, 24-hour monitoring will continue. Do not heed rumors or external provocations,” he cautioned.

He further noted that since August 5, a group has been attempting to incite members of the Hindu community, spreading misinformation. “Five hundred thousand Hindus have fled the country, and the Kantaji Temple was destroyed,” he said.

Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury urged both law enforcement agencies and the Durga Puja committees to maintain vigilance to ensure a peaceful celebration.

He also announced an increase in government support for Puja celebrations this year. “The number of Puja mandaps has risen compared to last year, and government funding has increased by Tk 1 crore—from Tk 4 crore last year to Tk 5 crore this year. Any additional requirements for smooth and proper observance will also be met by the government. During the 15-year tenure of the previous Awami League government, only Tk 2 crore was provided annually,” he said.

Faisal Hasan, Director (Public Relations) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, added that Ramna Kali Mandir President Aparna Roy Das, General Secretary Milton Baidya, Secretary-General of Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front S.M. Tarun De, and General Secretary of Bangladesh Puja Celebration Front Sameer Basu were present at the briefing.

Meanwhile, S.N. Tarun De, Secretary-General of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Trust, appealed to journalists to remain vigilant against rumors.