Bangladesh launched its largest Hindu religious celebration as devotees gathered at thousands of worship sites nationwide. Maha Shasthi marked the opening day of the five-day Durga Puja festival across 31,566 ceremonial venues. Worshippers wearing traditional attire visited prominent temples such as Dhakeshwari National Temple to seek blessings from Goddess Durga. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus issued congratulations to Hindu citizens before the festival commenced.
Security forces positioned themselves at 33,000 festival locations following government directives. Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced authorities detected no threats against the celebrations. Military personnel joined police officers, border guards and auxiliary forces for protection duties. Officials scheduled the preparatory Mahalaya ceremony for September 21.
Security forces positioned themselves at 33,000 festival locations following government directives. Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced authorities detected no threats against the celebrations. Military personnel joined police officers, border guards and auxiliary forces for protection duties. Officials scheduled the preparatory Mahalaya ceremony for September 21.
