Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid today spoke at Dakeshwari Temple in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Sept 30, 2025 (BSS) - Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid today called on all citizens, regardless of religion or caste to uphold their humanitarian duty by ensuring the Sharadiya Durga Puja is celebrated in a peaceful and harmonious manner.

"The public must pay special attention to the safety of women and children during the festival," she said.

The adviser made the call after visiting the Durga Puja mandap at Dakeshwari Temple in the capital. 

She also interacted with devotees at the temple, who confirmed that the festival is being observed peacefully.

Sharmeen S. Murshid added that help desks have been set up at every puja mandap under initiatives by the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

A total of 1,73,877 volunteers-1,64,524 from the Social Welfare Ministry and 9,353 from the Women and Children Affairs Ministry are engaged nationwide to assist during the festival.

For emergency support, the ministries have kept their toll-free hotlines active: 1098 (Social Welfare Ministry) and 109 (Women and Children Affairs Ministry). 

Additionally, direct control room numbers 10818211763, 01920950152, 01749819422, 01711059807 and 01958193241 are available around the clock.