Chattogram district police have urged Durga Puja celebration committee leaders to remain alert to rumours, misinformation and provocative content on social media ahead of the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja.
Police asked people not to circulate or share unverified information and to immediately inform law enforcers if they notice any untoward incident or misleading content.
The instructions were given at a meeting with leaders of puja celebration committees from 17 police stations and district-level representatives at the Civic Centre of the district police lines on Sunday morning.
Chattogram Superintendent of Police Masud Alam chaired the meeting.
District Commandant of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Chattogram Sefaul Hossain, senior district police officials, officers-in-charge of different police stations, other police officials and puja celebration committee leaders attended.
The meeting discussed overall security at puja mandaps, smooth movement of devotees, special protection for women and children, keeping CCTV cameras operational, adequate lighting and backup power, deployment of volunteers and fire safety measures.
Police said spreading rumours or provocative information on social media without verification could create instability. They urged people to report suspicious information to law enforcement agencies rather than circulate it.
Puja committee leaders were also asked to provide police with information about anyone attempting to destabilise the situation through rumours or incitement.
The meeting stressed quickly identifying and resolving security concerns involving women and arranging special assistance for children.
Police also suggested forming communal harmony committees comprising representatives of different religions, professions and social groups to help preserve religious harmony and mutual respect.
Participants were advised to maintain coordination with local mosque imams and religious leaders, public representatives, community figures and law enforcement agencies.
Police also asked organisers to comply with permitted noise levels and time restrictions when using loudspeakers and to exercise particular sensitivity during the azan and prayer times at nearby mosques.
Puja celebration committee leaders from different police stations raised issues concerning security at mandaps in their respective areas, local conditions, possible risks and the assistance they would require.
District police assured them that their concerns would be considered and necessary measures taken.
Police urged all concerned to act quickly and in coordination to prevent minor disputes or untoward incidents from escalating.
They also asked people not to take the law into their own hands under any circumstances and to immediately inform police of any incident.
Chattogram district police sought cooperation from puja organisers, priests, devotees, volunteers and members of the public to ensure that the upcoming Durga Puja is celebrated peacefully, safely and in a festive atmosphere.
