Three-tier security ring around Durga Puja pavilions as SRB deploys special preparations

The Special Response Battalion (SRB) has put in place a coordinated three-tier security arrangement so that Sharadiya Durga Puja can be completed in a peaceful, festive and undisturbed environment. Alongside strengthening overall security at the pavilions, special preparations have been made to prevent any disorder or untoward incident.

SRB-1 commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Md Neyamul Halim gave the details on Tuesday morning after inspecting the overall situation at the Mir Mugdha Mancha puja pavilion in the capital's Uttara.

He said Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj districts fall within SRB-1's area of responsibility. So that Hindu citizens in these areas can celebrate the puja with due solemnity and without any apprehension, the entire area has been brought under an impenetrable three-tier security ring.

The SRB-1 commander added that adequate numbers of security personnel have been deployed and kept ready in every relevant area to immediately counter any mischief or hostile situation centring on the festival.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad, meanwhile, has said that protecting religious harmony in the country and ensuring that people of all faiths can observe their religious festivals safely is one of the government's foremost constitutional duties. He said that under Article 28 of the constitution there is no scope for discrimination on the basis of religion in Bangladesh, and every citizen has the constitutional right to practise religious rituals and worship freely and safely.

Regarding security for Durga Puja, the minister said body-worn cameras and CCTV cameras are being used and app-based surveillance has been strengthened to ensure the safety of the pavilions during the ongoing festival. The situation is being monitored round the clock through the police monitoring cell.

He warned that no one will be spared if any attempt is made to create disorder anywhere, and no wrongdoer will be able to get away.

The home minister also mentioned attempts to destroy religious harmony by spreading rumours and false information on social media. He urged everyone not to pay heed to rumours and said attempts to portray minor internal disputes — over personal matters or managing committees — as religious attacks would be firmly resisted.

Maha Nabami, the grandest day of the Sharadiya Durga festival, is being celebrated across the country on Tuesday. Security personnel remain alert at pavilions to manage the crowds of devotees and visitors.

Officials say the same level of vigilance will continue through the final phase of the festival, so that Durga Puja concludes peacefully with the immersion of the idols.