Sylhet, Oct 03 (V7N)- The Sylhet administration is taking serious measures to ensure law and order during this year's Durga Puja celebrations. Various intelligence agencies and local police are actively monitoring the situation, with the involvement of specialized units such as the Detective Branch (DB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and local police forces.

In preparation, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs have issued a directive to field administrations and law enforcement forces following a meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Council Committee on October 1, chaired by the Home Affairs Adviser. The directive emphasizes the need for heightened patrols, increased intelligence surveillance, and close coordination between police, RAB, Ansar, and the Village Defense Party (VDP).

Key measures outlined include:

1. Enhanced Patrols and Intelligence : Visible patrolling and increased intelligence efforts will be maintained by Police, RAB, and Ansar forces throughout the Puja celebrations.

2. Deployment of Security Forces : Armed forces deployed to maintain order will be on standby to assist local law enforcement in preventing any untoward incidents.

3. Prompt Response to Incidents : In the event of any unexpected incidents, authorities will take swift action to maintain peace and order.

4. Monitoring of Social Media : Authorities will monitor social media to prevent the spread of any inflammatory content that could provoke religious sentiments.

5. Volunteer Support and CCTV Surveillance : Puja celebration committees are instructed to arrange at least three volunteers during the day and four at night to guard the Puja mandaps. Full-time CCTV cameras will also be installed at all Puja venues.

6. Community Involvement : A monitoring committee, including influential figures and students from the local community, will be formed to oversee security. District administrators and upazila executive officers will lead these efforts at their respective levels.

These security preparations are part of the government’s broader effort to ensure peaceful Durga Puja celebrations in Sylhet and across Bangladesh. With the festival set to begin on October 9 and end with Vijaya Dashami on October 13, the administration is working closely with law enforcement to prevent any disruptions.

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