Police in Chittagong say tight security measures will be put in place across the city during Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindus which is just a few days away.
They estimate that the festival will be celebrated at 1,503 puja mandaps, places where devotees will worship, in the district and there will be flawless security in each of those.
“The officers-in-charge of the respective police stations have been directed to be vigilant so that no untoward situation arises at any of the mandaps,” Naimul Hasan, additional superintendent of police, told the Dhaka Tribune.
“Police will set up a three-tier security system to ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully and without any disruptions.
“Also, power station officials have been asked to provide uninterrupted power supply at the mandaps,” he said, adding that additional police forces would be deployed at mandaps where disorder was feared.
According to Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad’s Chittagong city chapter, some 298 puja mandaps have been set up in the metropolitan area. Its General Secretary Ratnakar Das Tunu told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that preparations had been taken to celebrate the festival in a peaceful atmosphere.
“This year, a total of 1,960 mandaps have been set up in the whole Chittagong district. Of the 298 mandaps in the metropolitan area, a few in Bakalia, Akbar Shah and Bayezid areas are vulnerable as they are located in the city’s borderline,” he said.
“But police have assured us of complete security at those mandaps while volunteers will team up with law enforcement officials to ensure that no unwanted situation arises while we celebrate the annual festival.”
Durga Puja will begin in full swing from October 19 as per the Hindu community’s calendar.
Meanwhile, artisans making idols of Hindu goddesses in different parts of the port city said 80% of the work had been done.