The Special Response Battalion (SRB-15) has strengthened security along the Teknaf border area to ensure peaceful, festive celebrations of Durga Puja.
Visible patrols are being conducted regularly at puja mandaps, while plainclothes intelligence surveillance is also underway. A striking reserve force has been kept ready to respond to any emergency.
At around 4:00pm on Monday, Lieutenant Colonel Khandaker Md Mahmudul Rahman, commander of SRB-15 in Cox’s Bazar, visited the puja mandap at the central Bishnu Temple in Teknaf municipality.
During the visit, he reviewed security arrangements, the law-and-order situation, and the overall festive atmosphere. He later exchanged views with leaders of the puja celebration committee and other concerned people. The SRB commander also cut a cake to exchange greetings on the occasion of Durga Puja.
Rahman said Durga Puja was not merely a religious ceremony but also an integral part of Bengali culture and a gathering that reflected the spirit of communal harmony. He added that the participation of people from different religions and backgrounds strengthened social bonds.
He said no untoward incident had been reported so far. SRB members had intensified regular patrols at puja mandaps and surrounding areas, while intelligence surveillance in plain clothes continued.
“Anyone planning sabotage during the festival will be dealt with firmly,” the SRB commander said, adding that its members were maintaining the highest level of vigilance to preserve law and order.
The commander of SRB-15’s CPC-1, members of Teknaf police, the president and general secretary of the central Bishnu Temple in Teknaf municipality, and leaders of the puja celebration committee and other concerned people were present during the visit.
The strengthened security arrangements have reportedly relieved members of the Hindu community in Teknaf. Leaders of the puja celebration committee also expressed satisfaction with the law enforcement agencies’ activities.
SRB-15, police, and other law enforcement agencies are coordinating to ensure peaceful, uninterrupted Durga Puja celebrations in the strategically important border upazila. The authorities said security measures would remain strengthened until the festivities conclude.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
