Four-layer security for Durga Puja

The law enforcing agencies have prepared a four-layer security measures for ensuring security during the upcoming Durga Puja festival.

Bangladesh Police have also issued a guideline with nine instructions for a peaceful puja celebration.

Hindu community of Bangladesh is set to celebrate their biggest religious festival from October 9 to October 13 and the celebration will be held in 32,666 puja mandaps across the country.

Several sources from the law enforcers agencies seeking anonymity told the Views Bangladesh that in last one decade several incidents of inciting communal attacks during Durga festival happened.

According to the law enforcing agencies, Ansar and VDP members and members from the police forces will be deployed permanently at puja pavilions. At the same time local police members and members from Rapid Action Battalion will patrol in the area.

The joint force will also patrol in some areas and will work as striking forces. RAB will also act as striking force.

Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard have been instructed to ensure security of the puja pavilions fallen under its jurisdictions.

BGB DG Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqi said that they will have to ensure security for some 2,000 puja pavilions at bordering areas.

Staff Officer (Operations) of Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) Lt Commander Salman Siddique Shadhen said that they are working to ensure foolproof security at 299 pavilions of the Durga Puja near coastal areas.

Deputy Director (media) of Ansar Ashiquzzaman told the Views Bangladesh that according to the report they have identified around 15,032 Durga Puja pavilions as ‘important’ and ‘highly important’ in terms of risk.

He said a total of 212,192 Ansar-VDP members will be deployed at over 32,000 pavilions, with 53,148 of them deployed at the 15,032 pavilions identified as at higher risk.

RAB DG Shahidul AKM Shahidur Rahman in a meeting with leaders of Crime reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) said that along with ensuring security at the region they will also keep social medias and online activities under surveillances so that no can provoke any violent activities during puja festivals.

Meanwhile, responding to a query of journalists after visiting Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Monday Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam claimed that there is no threat of any militant attack ahead of Durga Puja.

Ahead of Durga Puja, he said, nationwide security has significantly been beefed up. Members of Ansar and BGB will be on 24-hour duty at each puja pavilion to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.

“There is no room for disorder. We will take immediate action against anyone involved in subversive activities,” he warned.

Meanwhile, through a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations, or ISPR Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman urged all hindus to attend Durga Puja celebrations and visit Puja pavilions without any fear.

While inspecting security measures at Dhakeshwari National Temple on Sunday he said that the army has been deployed across Bangladesh to ensure safety. “I have given specific instructions to maintain a peaceful environment. Our goal is to allow everyone to celebrate their festival in harmony,” Waker said.