Ukhiya, Sept 21 (V7N) — Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have intensified patrols and security inspections at Durga Puja mandaps in Ukhiya and Teknaf to ensure a safe environment for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja festival.
 
On Saturday night, Sept. 20, a team from RAB-15’s Hoikang CPC-2 camp visited the main Puja Mandap at Daroga Bazar in Ukhiya Sadar and several other mandaps in the area to strengthen safety measures. Company Commander of the Hoikang CPC-2 camp, Additional Superintendent of Police Abul Kalam Azad, said that Durga Puja, while the most important religious festival for the Hindu community, has also become a universal celebration across Bangladesh.
 
He noted that the essence of the festival lies in the triumph of good over evil and the worship of truth and beauty. “Bangladesh has always been a country of communal harmony. Guided by the spirit of ‘religion is personal, festivals are for all,’ we celebrate every religious occasion together,” Azad said.
 
This year, Durga Puja will begin on September 28 with Shashthi and conclude on October 2 with Bijoya Dashami and the immersion of idols. To ensure smooth celebrations, RAB has deployed three teams in the Ukhiya and Teknaf regions — one striking team and two regular patrol teams. Officials said RAB-15 is fully prepared to tackle any untoward situation and urged residents to share information immediately if they suspect any threat, promising swift action in response.
 
This security initiative comes as part of wider preparations nationwide to safeguard the thousands of Puja mandaps where Hindu devotees and other community members will gather for the five-day festival.
 
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