Naogaon:A total of eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to ensure security at Durga Puja mandaps in the district town and border areas of Naogaon, coinciding with the Hindu community's major religious festival.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the deployment seeks to maintain a safe, peaceful, and festive atmosphere during Durga Puja 2026, which commenced on Friday, as stated in a press release from the Naogaon Battalion (16 BGB).
Of the eight platoons, three are stationed from different Border Outposts (BOPs) to secure mandaps within an eight-kilometre radius of the border, while another three from the battalion headquarters are tasked with overseeing mandaps within a three-kilometre radius of the headquarters. The remaining two platoons are on standby at the headquarters for any emergencies.
BGB carried out preparatory patrols around the puja mandaps from October 10 to 15. Starting Friday, BGB personnel will conduct additional patrols in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure security throughout the battalion's area of responsibility.
The press release noted that seven Puja mandaps are situated within eight kilometres of the border in the battalion's jurisdiction. Of these, four are in Porsha upazila under Nitpur BOP, while three are in Sapahar upazila—one under Hapania BOP and two under Bamanpara BOP. The remaining 43 mandaps are located within a three-kilometre radius of the battalion headquarters in Naogaon town, totaling 50 mandaps under the security arrangements.
Meanwhile, 16 BGB Commanding Officer Lt Col Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum has visited several Puja mandaps to review security arrangements and the law-and-order situation. He also engaged with festival organizers and provided financial assistance to the mandaps on the occasion of Durga Puja.