Number of puja mandaps in Sylhet decreases by 41 this year

This year, the number of puja mandaps in Sylhet has decreased by 41. While 466 mandaps hosted Durga Puja in Sylhet district last year, this year the number has dropped to 426. However, in the metropolitan area, the number has increased by two. Last year, 151 mandaps hosted puja in the metropolitan area, but this year the number has risen to 153.

The five-day Durga Puja festivities began on Thursday evening with Maha Shashti. Meanwhile, strict security measures have been put in place in both Sylhet district and the metropolitan area to ensure the smooth observance of Durga Puja. All preparations have been completed, and the temples are bustling with festive activity.

According to the Sylhet district and metropolitan branch of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, preparations for Durga Puja are underway at 440 mandaps across Sylhet district. Among them, 408 are public (sarbojonin) and 32 are family pujas. In the Sylhet metropolitan area, preparations are ongoing at 153 mandaps, with 136 being public and 17 family mandaps.

According to the same source, last year, a total of 617 mandaps in Sylhet district and the metropolitan area hosted Durga Puja, with 569 public and 48 family mandaps. In the metropolitan area, 151 pujas were held, with 134 public and 17 family mandaps. In the district, out of 466 pujas, 435 were public and 31 were family pujas. This year, a total of 151 mandaps have been set up across six police station areas in the metropolitan area: 39 in Kotwali, 18 in Jalalabad, 38 in Airport, 23 in Shah Paran, 15 in South Surma, and 18 in Moglabazar.

The law enforcers have already started extensive preparations to ensure special security around the mandaps. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents during the puja, and plainclothes detectives have also intensified their activities.

Chandan Das, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, Sylhet metropolitan branch, said, "We are in the final stages of preparation here in Sylhet. We are hopeful for a peaceful celebration of Durga Puja. So far, there have been no issues, and we don't anticipate any. The police, army, and RAB are constantly patrolling. We are optimistic that, like every year, we will be able to celebrate Durga Puja in a beautiful and festive atmosphere. The administration has assured us of their full cooperation."

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Rezaul Karim said, "We have a six-layer security plan in place for Durga Puja. Plainclothes officers, strike forces, reserve forces, and quick response teams will be on duty. We are confident that the puja will be celebrated smoothly. We are providing round-the-clock security, and no temples in Sylhet are at risk in terms of security."