Khulna:A comprehensive four-tier security system has been implemented at 956 Durga Puja mandaps across Khulna district and metropolitan areas in preparation for the Hindu community's largest religious festival, starting Friday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 11,224 police and Ansar members have been deployed in both uniform and plain clothes to ensure safety during the festivities. Additionally, the Special Response Battalion (SRB) and Coast Guard have intensified their patrols. CCTV cameras have been installed, and special monitoring arrangements are in place at key mandaps.
Mamun Khan, the city intelligence officer of Khulna Metropolitan Police, stated that 119 puja mandaps in the metropolitan area are under security coverage, with 106 classified as important. Approximately 1,200 police personnel will oversee security in the city. Mandap committees have been instructed to install CCTV cameras as part of the security measures.
Khulna Superintendent of Police Sarker Omar Faruk explained that the district's puja mandaps are protected under a four-tier security system. Authorities aim to ensure undisturbed celebrations, especially for children and women. Female police personnel, along with female volunteers from puja committees, will assist with security. Meetings with temple committees emphasized the need for CCTV installations at mandaps.
A static police force will be positioned in front of each mandap, and both uniformed and plainclothes officers will maintain security inside and outside. Strike teams are set to patrol and respond as needed. Detective police are active at and around the mandaps to prevent theft and snatching. Each mandap is supervised by its designated beat officer, who maintains direct communication with the officer-in-charge of the relevant police station and the assistant superintendent of police (ASP) of the circle.
A control room at the district police superintendent's office will operate round-the-clock to handle emergencies and public inquiries. Banners displaying contact numbers for the superintendent of police, relevant circle ASP, police station, RAB, Coast Guard, and Fire Service have been prepared by the district police for every mandap.
Md Shafiqul Islam, an Ansar and VDP officer, mentioned that 8,888 Ansar members will be stationed at the puja mandaps, with 8,221 in the district and 659 in the metropolitan area. Six armed Ansar members will accompany each mobile police team.
Nistar Ahmed, commander of SRB-6, noted that special patrols began on October 13 across eight districts in the region, with two teams patrolling mandaps daily. Each team consists of eight members, totaling 128 SRB personnel on daily patrols. He expressed hope for a peaceful and festive Durga Puja celebration.
The Coast Guard media cell reported that surveillance has been heightened in river-adjacent areas throughout the region.