The Special Response Battalion (SRB)-8 Bhola Camp has strengthened security measures across the district ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja, with surveillance and patrols being intensified at 118 puja mandaps to ensure peaceful celebrations.In a press release issued on Sunday (October 18), the camp said its personnel had inspected most of the mandaps and introduced a range of security measures, including CCTV monitoring, special patrols and surveillance in plain clothes.
Of the 118 puja mandaps in Bhola, 27 are located in Bhola Sadar upazila, while the remaining 91 are spread across other upazilas.
The security operation is being conducted in coordination with the local administration, law enforcement agencies and puja celebration committees to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the religious festival.
According to the press release, security personnel are monitoring CCTV systems at the mandaps, maintaining regular communication with volunteers and conducting patrols in both uniform and plain clothes. A control room has also been set up to respond swiftly to emergencies.
People requiring urgent assistance have been asked to contact the camp at 01777-710890.
Speaking at a media briefing after visiting Shri Shri Lakshmi Govinda Jew Temple, Lieutenant Commander BM Tanzimul Islam, commander of the SRB-8 Bhola Camp, said ensuring the security of all citizens regardless of religion or community, and preserving communal harmony, were among their key responsibilities.
He said SRB-8 personnel were performing their duties with vigilance and professionalism to prevent individuals or groups from disrupting public order during the religious celebrations.
The briefing was attended by Bimal Karmakar, president of Shri Shri Lakshmi Govinda Jew Temple, and its general secretary, Biplab Talukdar. Tapan Kumar Sarkar, member secretary of the Bhola district committee of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front, and Chanchal Baidya, convener of the Bhola district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Front, were also present.
The authorities urged puja committee leaders, volunteers, local representatives and members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. They also called on people to report suspicious individuals, objects or activities promptly and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation on social media.
The SRB-8 Bhola Camp said security operations would continue with professionalism, dedication and coordination among all concerned to ensure that Durga Puja is celebrated in a peaceful, safe and festive atmosphere.
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