State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury on Sunday instructed the authorities concerned to strengthen security, keep CCTV cameras operational, preserve footage and ensure firefighting in every puja mandap in the district so that Durga Puja could be celebrated in a peaceful and festive manner.
At the same time, he called for maintaining religious harmony and conducting cultural activities in puja mandaps by respecting other religions.
The state minister gave the instructions while speaking as the chief guest at the monthly meeting of the district law and order committee at the conference room of Kishoreganj deputy commissioner's office.
He said the schedule of Azan and Namaz should be prepared and delivered to every puja mandap in the district, so that the concerned people can conduct cultural activities according to the schedule.
Yasser urged the leaders and activists of political parties to collectively play a role in the security of temples and puja mandaps to avoid untoward incidents during the Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the country's Hindu community.
He advised the leaders and workers of BNP and affiliated bodies to guard puja mandaps, while he also urged all to remain alert so that no banned organization or group can create an unstable situation.
The state minister laid emphasis on keeping the CCTV cameras operational in every puja mandap and preserving the recorded footage. If necessary, he advised to save footage on mobile phone or online cloud.
Besides, he instructed to keep suitable fire extinguishers to deal with various types of fires including electrical accidents, so that necessary measures can be taken quickly in case of any accidents.
Yasser said if there is any problem on the road leading to puja mandap, necessary road repair works will be taken through the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the district administration.
On the occasion of Durga Puja, the state minister thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for allocating 600 kilograms of rice to each puja mandap and extending the puja holiday by two days.
He said even though the government activities are limited during the puja holidays, the district and upazila administration should continue to supervise so that no untoward incident takes place.
Directing the district administration to take necessary measures to stop illegal sand mining, the state minister said the relevant documents should be verified even in the case of legal sand mining.
