Sundarbans: The authorities of the Department of Forest (West) have implemented special security measures at Alorkol in Dublar Char near the Sundarbans in preparation for the Rash Purnima Puja (Holy Bath), which is set to commence tomorrow, November 14. The three-day event will conclude on November 16.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the authorities have imposed a ban on carrying all kinds of meat except chicken, as well as fireworks, explosives, domestic weapons, and firearms. To facilitate the participation of devotees in the Rash Mela, the Forest Department has designated five specific water routes to Dublar Char in the Sundarbans. These routes include Burigoalini-Kobadak rivers to Dublar Char via Batulanadi-Balnadi-Patkoshta-Hongshoraj, Koyra-Kashiabad-Khashitana-Bojboja via Arua Shibsa-Shibsa river-Marjat, Naliyan Station to Dublar Char via Shibsa-Marjat river, Dangmari-Chandpai station via Teenkona Dwip to Dublar Char, and Bogi-Baleswar-Supoti-Kachikhali station to Dublar Char crossing Shelar
Char.
Hindu devotees participating in the Rash Purnima Puja will be required to pay an entry fee, and movement during nighttime is prohibited, according to Forest Department officials. Md Sarwar Alam, Divisional Forest Officer (West Division) of the Sundarbans, mentioned that a meeting was conducted with the Bagerhat district administration to ensure the prevention of deer poaching during the Puja. Pilgrims are restricted to travel during the day at five selected points, and the use of loudspeakers, electronic devices, firearms, and ammunition is strictly prohibited.
Preparations for the celebration of Rash Purnima Puja have been completed, and the Rash Purnima Puja Committee is tasked with monitoring any incidents of deer hunting during the festival. Additional security will be provided by the Rapid Action Battalion, Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy, and patrol teams of the forest department to ensure the safety of pilgrims in the Pashur, Shewla, Bhola, and Shibsa rivers from November 14 to 16.