Khulna:Special Response Battalion (SRB)-6 has established a comprehensive three-tier security framework for 5,354 puja mandaps across eight districts within its jurisdiction. This initiative aims to ensure the peaceful and uninterrupted celebration of the ongoing Sharadiya Durga Puja.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, SRB-6 has deployed patrol teams to visit puja mandaps and conduct checks on suspicious individuals and vehicles at temporary checkpoints positioned at key entry points in cities and upazilas. Intelligence personnel are actively monitoring the situation in plain clothes, while a reserve force is on standby to respond swiftly if needed.
Lieutenant Colonel Nistar Ahmed, commanding officer of SRB-6, outlined the security measures during a briefing at Dharmasabha Temple. He emphasized the primary objective of maintaining communal harmony and ensuring the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja. Since October 13, SRB-6 has been conducting special patrol operations as directed by the SRB headquarters.
Focal point officers have been designated for each upazila to oversee patrol teams visiting the mandaps in their areas. Two patrol teams, each comprising eight members, are assigned to visit the puja mandaps daily in the afternoon and evening. In total, 128 SRB members are involved in these daily patrol duties.
In addition to physical security measures, the battalion is actively monitoring social media platforms across the region, complemented by centralized cyber monitoring by the SRB headquarters. This is part of an effort to identify potential threats and take preventive action before any incidents occur.
Coordination meetings with law enforcement agencies have been held at various administrative levels to further strengthen security measures. Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed expressed confidence that the festival would proceed peacefully, thanks to the coordinated efforts involving organizing committees, the public, the media, and law enforcement agencies.