The Inspector General of Police yesterday directed law enforcers to monitor social networking sites so that none can spread rumours to disturb the communal harmony centering the upcoming Durga Puja, using Facebook and other social networking sites.

“If any individual or quarter spreads anything that can hurt religious sentiments, take immediate steps to stop it, and take tough actions against them immediately,” IGP Mohammad Javed Patwary asked law enforcers.

The police chief issued the directives at a meeting held at the Police Headquarters to ensure law and order and security during Durga Puja.

Durga Puja, one of the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community, will be celebrated from October 15 to 19.

The IGP also directed police officials to perform their duties with sincerity and professionalism, maintaining religious fervour.

Javed Patwary urged leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbajaneen Puja Committee to deploy volunteers during preparing of idols, setting up CCTV cameras and firefighting equipment at the puja mandaps, and use handheld metal detectors.

“Religious harmony has to be maintained showing respects to other religions,” he told the meeting.

Assistant Inspector General (operations) Sayeed Tariqul Hasan presented the security measures planned for Durga Puja at the meeting.

Leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbajaneen Puja Committee present at the meeting expressed satisfaction at the measures, says a PHQ press release.

The leaders apprised the meeting that this year, Durga Puja will be arranged in around 30,000 mandaps across the country.

Top police officials, Superintendent of Police of districts and representatives of different intelligence agencies, Ansar and VDP, Dhaka city corporations, and Fire Service and Civil Defence attended the meeting.