Durga Puja
The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Durga Puja, concluded this year in Narayanganj with peace, joy, and harmony. From the earliest stages of idol-making, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian drew wide attention by visiting numerous Puja Mandaps across the district’s upazilas.
Before the start of the festival, the DC personally visited several Puja Mandaps to oversee preparations and ensure tight security. Hindu community leaders described his approach as “unprecedented,” saying no DC in the past had taken such direct and compassionate initiatives.
From the very first day of the Puja, DC Zahidul Islam Mian was seen in remote corners of the district, interacting with Hindu devotees, organizers, local politicians, civil society members, and people of other religious communities.
On the opening day, he visited the Atlapur Bazar Mahashmashan Kalibari Puja Mandap in Bhulabo Union under Rupganj upazila—around 50 kilometers from Narayanganj town. His unexpected presence sparked joy among the devotees. The Mandap lies between Gazipur’s Kaliganj and Narsingdi’s Palash upazilas, areas rarely visited by senior officials from Narayanganj.
On Saptami, he went to the Shree Shree Brahma Mandir on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Char Sreerampur area under Musapur Union of Bandar upazila. Built during the Pakistan era, this temple had never before been visited by any DC.
On Saptami, he went to the Shree Shree Brahma Mandir on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Char Sreerampur area under Musapur Union of Bandar upazila. Built during the Pakistan era, this temple had never before been visited by any DC.
During several of these visits, he was accompanied by Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jasim Uddin, ensuring full coordination between civil and law enforcement authorities.
Following the successful completion of the festival, Hindu leaders across Narayanganj expressed deep gratitude to the District Commissioner for his proactive role and empathetic leadership.
Shankar Saha, President of the Nitaiganj Traders Association, said: “Honestly, his (DC’s) sincerity and efforts were beyond words. His dedication to making the Durga Puja festive and harmonious was truly extraordinary. Those who have a DC like him are indeed fortunate. He has selflessly devoted himself to public welfare.”
Shikhan Sarkar Shipon, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad’s Narayanganj District Unit, echoed similar sentiments: “The DC held multiple meetings with political leaders and community representatives. Even until the final day of immersion, he and senior officials personally monitored every detail.
I believe Narayanganj implemented the government’s security plan for Durga Puja more effectively than any other district.
The DC personally visited temples and coordinated all aspects. His door is open to everyone—rich or poor. He is deeply sincere about promoting social harmony and interfaith coexistence,” said the Hindu community leader.
Shankar Dey, of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad’s Narayanganj District Unit, added: “This five-day-long Durga Puja was beautifully organized under the combined leadership of DC Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian and Superintendent of Police Jasim Uddin.
At our request, the DC arranged a new 5 No. Ghat (jetty) for idol immersion. Previously, the 3 No. Ghat was 100 feet long; this year, it was extended to 250 feet, where 43 idols were immersed.
The District Administration built a large stage at the site where leaders from all political parties, Hindu organizations, and Puja committees delivered speeches praising the DC, SP, Ansar, BGB, Army, and City Corporation officials for their extraordinary efforts.”
During the immersion ceremony, members of the Police, Ansar, BGB, RAB, Coast Guard, Fire Service, Bangladesh Army, and BIWTC worked together to maintain safety and order. Their coordinated effort transformed the immersion into a vibrant celebration of unity and peace.
The collective enthusiasm and gratitude of the Sanatan community have made one thing clear—DC Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian’s empathy, dedication, and respect for all faiths have set a new benchmark for inclusive governance in Narayanganj.
