Khagrachhari district administration has taken strict security measures in the district ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of Hindu people.
Around 3,000 people, including police, Ansar-VDP and volunteers, will be deployed to maintain law and orders, our Khagrachhari correspondent reported.
Preparations are in full swing and the local Hindus are in a joyous mood, said Taran Kumar Bhattacharya, general secretary of Bangladesh Puja Ujjapon Parishad’s Khagrachhari unit.
“Preparation for 47 puja mandaps is almost complete at eight upazilas in the district.” Khagrachhari’s acting deputy commissioner Mollah Muhammad Mizanur Rahman said the district administration is on highest alert for the festival.
“We have met with local Hindu leaders and concerned law enforcement agencies several times and decided to deploy police, Ansar-VDP members and volunteers from concerned areas, who would make sure that the puja celebration goes successfully and peacefully. There will be executive magistrates present to monitor the situation and take necessary steps if required,” he said.
Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Md Mazid Ali said police would deployed in both uniform and plain clothes at each puja mandap to ensure security.
“There will also be a police control room in our office during for 24-hour service Durga Puja, and anyone can communicate with us if necessary,” he said.
Besides, members of Border Guard Bangladesh have been deployed in five districts of Chittagong division – Chittagong, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar – to add extra security for the puja.
Two platoons of BGB members started patrolling the cities and towns in every district from 6pm yesterday, said BGB sources.
“More BGB personnel will be deployed in full swing after the overall security assessment,” said BGB Chittagong Regional Commander Brig Gen Habibul Karim.