The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP) has begun advance security measures across the country to ensure the upcoming Sharodiya Durga Puja is celebrated safely and peacefully.
As part of the preparations, Ansar-VDP members are visiting idol-making sites, puja mandaps and temples, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
The release said Ansar-VDP members at the field level are exchanging views with leaders of puja celebration committees, temple authorities and people involved in making idols.
The discussions cover idol security, the law and order situation during the puja, and the duties and responsibilities of puja celebration committees and Ansar-VDP members.
The activities are being carried out at district and upazila levels under the directive of Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, director general of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party.
Allowance-receiving (stipendiary) Ansar-VDP members are working in the field under the supervision of upazila Ansar-VDP officers and instructors.
During the visits, those concerned are being advised to remain vigilant about the security of puja mandaps, entry and exit management, lighting arrangements and fire safety.
Emphasis is also being placed on coordination with local administration and law enforcement agencies to avoid any undesirable situation.
In addition, puja celebration committees have been requested to arrange accommodation and necessary facilities for Ansar members who will be on duty during the puja.
They have also been asked to cooperate in maintaining overall security and discipline at puja mandaps and in taking swift, coordinated action during emergencies.
The release further stated that Ansar-VDP members are being kept ready to perform duties at various puja mandaps across the country to ensure public safety and maintain law and order during the Sharodiya Durga Puja.
Through coordination with the local administration, law enforcement agencies and puja celebration committees, the advance preparations and field-level activities will continue to ensure a safe and peaceful puja.
