The government has increased its grants for Durga Puja by Tk 1 crore this year, and the number of puja mandaps has also been raised compared to last year, said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday.

He made the remarks during a briefing for journalists after visiting Ramna Kali Mandir in the capital.

The adviser said this year’s Durga Puja will be held in a safer, smoother, and more festive environment than last year.

During the 15-year tenure of the Awami League government, only Tk 2 crore was allocated annually for Durga Puja grants. Last year, the government provided Tk 4 crore. This year, the amount has been increased to Tk 5 crore. If needed, the government will provide additional support to ensure the Puja is organized properly and beautifully, he said.

Referring to security arrangements, the adviser said no threat has been reported for the festival and a large number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth celebrations.

He also urged religious and political leaders, devotees, visitors, puja committees, and the general public to cooperate fully to maintain a peaceful and festive environment.

To monitor the entire Puja activities, a mobile application has been launched. Any incident reported through this app will be instantly communicated to law enforcement agencies and the government. Puja activities will be monitored round the clock, he added.

He emphasized that Durga Puja is a religious festival celebrated not only by Hindus but also observed by people of other religions, urging everyone to preserve its sanctity.

The briefing was attended by 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 Samir Basu.