Special Response Battalion (SRB)-1 has reinforced security across 418 puja mandaps in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja.
A three-tier security system comprising intelligence surveillance, motorcycle patrols, and pick-up patrols has been implemented taking into account the risk and significance of the mandaps.
Simultaneously, the battalion’s Cyber Monitoring Cell is maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to curb cyber crimes and the spread of rumours on social media surrounding Durga Puja.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Niamul Halim Khan, commanding officer of SRB-1, disclosed this information to journalists on Friday afternoon while visiting a puja mandap in the Bashundhara Residential Area.
He said special security arrangements have been strengthened in SRB-1’s area of responsibility under the spirit of “Religion belongs to individuals, but festivals belong to all” to uphold social harmony and guarantee a peaceful environment for Durga Puja celebrations.
Members of the force remain on high alert to maintain law and order and ensure the overall security of the puja mandaps.
Elaborating on the security arrangements, Niamul explained that the security measures have been structured into three tiers based on the risk and importance of the mandaps.
Plainclothes intelligence personnel will conduct surveillance in the first tier, motorcycle patrols will operate in the second tier, and pick-up patrols will secure the third tier.
Through these operations, alongside ensuring the overall security of the puja mandaps, personnel of the force will remain prepared to respond to any untoward incident.
Regarding the prevention of rumours on social media and cyber crime control around Durga Puja, the Commanding Officer stated that SRB’s Cyber Monitoring Cell is conducting constant oversight.
Moreover, duties are being discharged with utmost vigilance and professionalism to prevent any extremist, radical, or vested interest groups from carrying out sabotage or creating untoward situations.
He added that an exchange-of-views meeting was held on 12 October at SRB-1 Battalion Headquarters with presidents and key representatives of various puja mandaps to enhance security during the festival, tackle potential risks, and increase coordination among all stakeholders.
Discussions at the meeting centred on mandap security and ensuring peaceful celebrations.
The commanding officer added that all citizens in Bangladesh enjoy equal rights.
He emphasised that the cooperation of puja mandap management committees and the general public is essential to celebrate Durga Puja while preserving religious harmony and mutual goodwill.
He urged everyone to inform law enforcement agencies immediately if any suspicious activity or untoward situation comes to notice.
SRB-1 said operations to bolster security for Durga Puja are ongoing and will continue until the festival concludes. The force also warned that legal action will be taken against any form of violence or sabotage.
