32,000 venues for Durga Puja amid tight security

After two pandemic-ridden years, Durga Puja, the biggest annual festival for Hindu community, is set to be marked with fervour at 32,168 venues across Bangladesh, reports bdnews24.com.

The government is intent on preventing any untoward incident and law enforcement agencies are on high alert, JL Bhowmik, head of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad committee, said on Saturday.

"We feel that it is very difficult to protect 32,168 venues. So, we are appointing volunteers to every temple, who will guard them even at night."

Although it may be difficult to ensure 'complete security', measures are being taken in villages while venues will also be equipped with CCTV, according to him.

"Makeshift venues in particular are more vulnerable. Marquees that are set up in fields, grounds or roads are at higher risk. We have to be more vigilant about these venues and guard them throughout the night."

This year's Durga Puja will begin on October 1 and end with the idols' immersion on October 5.

The number of puja venues has been increased by 50 from last year, according to the committee. As many as 241 pavillions will be set up for the rituals in Dhaka this year.