Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is setting up 18 base camps and strengthening patrols to ensure security at around 1,800 puja mandaps located within eight kilometres of the country's borders during Durga Puja.
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui disclosed the plan while talking to reporters after inspecting the security arrangements at the Ramna Kali Mandir in the capital on Thursday afternoon.
He said BGB personnel have already visited the mandaps and contacted puja committees in their respective areas to coordinate security measures.
“Risks of different kinds can arise at any time. We are collecting intelligence, receiving information from various agencies and working to ensure comprehensive security so that the celebrations can take place without disruption,” the BGB chief said.
He said the force will also ensure security at puja mandaps located within a few kilometres of its headquarters in Pilkhana and other battalion, sector and regional headquarters outside border areas, in coordination with police and other law enforcement agencies.
Ashrafuzzaman said the BGB regularly coordinates with the authorities of the Ramna Kali Mandir, Dhakeshwari National Temple and other nearby puja mandaps in the capital.
He said a 24/7 control room has been opened at BGB headquarters to maintain communication with puja mandaps.
The BGB director general added that the “Sharadiya Surokkha App”, developed under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will allow puja committee members and Ansar personnel deployed at the mandaps to contact law enforcement agencies in case of any problem or emergency.
The BGB will take prompt measures as necessary to maintain security and ensure peaceful and festive celebrations, he said.
Ashrafuzzaman also said intelligence gathering, risk assessment and security measures have been strengthened in coordination with intelligence agencies.
During the visit, he exchanged views with the president and other members of the Ramna Kali Mandir Sarbojonin Puja Udjapan Committee and conveyed his greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.
Other senior BGB officials were present during the inspection.