3,500 Coast Guard members deployed for Durga Puja security, diver teams ready for immersion

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has taken special measures to ensure the safety of lives and property at places of worship, Puja pavilions, important installations and coastal areas on the occasion of Sharodiya Durga Puja. Some 3,500 members have been deployed across the areas under the force's jurisdiction — the largest announced festival deployment so far.

Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hasan disclosed the information on Tuesday (October 20) afternoon while inspecting Durga Puja security arrangements at the Mongla Upazila Central Temple. That the chief himself inspected arrangements in the field and announced the deployment figure from there underlined the measure's importance.

The Director General said, 'The Coast Guard works regularly to maintain law and order in coastal and riverbank areas and to keep people's lives and property safe. In continuation of that, security has been strengthened on the occasion of Durga Puja.' The force, in other words, sees Puja security as an extension of its regular duties.

He said work is under way to ensure security at 144 temples and Puja pavilions in the coastal areas of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts under the Coast Guard's West Zone. In this single zone alone, around one and a half hundred temples and pavilions have come under the force's security cover.

Intelligence surveillance has also been increased as part of the security arrangements. Activities are being conducted in coordination with other law-enforcement agencies, so that no area is left with a gap in vigilance.

Special diver teams will be ready at immersion sites to ensure the immersion of idols passes without incident, the Director General added. The advance preparation has been taken because crowds and water risks accompany immersion in river and coastal areas.

He urged anyone in urgent need to contact the Coast Guard's emergency service number 16111. Amid festival crowds, that single number is the fastest way to reach the force for help.

The Director General expressed hope that, with everyone's cooperation, Sharodiya Durga Puja will be completed in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. Alongside the security forces' vigilance, he presented the cooperation of the general public as a condition of a successful festival.

Puja pavilions across the country are now in festive mood. From Sylhet to Khulna, worship and crowds of visitors continue at pavilions in every division, while religious leaders and public representatives visiting pavilions deliver messages of harmony. Against that backdrop, the Coast Guard's large coastal deployment completes the overall security picture of the festival.

Through the remaining days of Puja and up to the immersion, the deployed 3,500 members will carry the responsibility of keeping pavilions in coastal and riverbank areas secure. The force expects that, if everything goes to plan, this year's Puja will end peacefully.