Chattogram District Police Superintendent Mohammad Masud Alam BPM has urged everyone to remain vigilant against rumours, misinformation and provocative content to ensure that the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja is celebrated peacefully, safely and in a festive atmosphere.
He made the call on Sunday morning, October 4, at a meeting with leaders of Puja celebration committees from the district’s 17 police stations at the Civic Centre of Chattogram District Police Lines.
At the meeting, the police superintendent said no information should be circulated or shared on social media without verification. He urged people to promptly inform police if they come across any rumour or misleading information.
He also asked people to provide police with information if anyone attempts to destabilise the situation through rumours or provocation.
The meeting also provided guidelines on overall security at Puja mandaps, ensuring the smooth movement of devotees, special protection for women and children, installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras, adequate lighting, alternative power arrangements, deployment of volunteers and fire safety.
Participants were advised to give special attention to quickly identifying and resolving problems faced by female devotees and to arrange additional assistance for children.
To maintain religious harmony, the meeting recommended forming harmony committees comprising representatives of different religions and social and professional groups, as well as local religious leaders, elected representatives and law enforcement agencies.
The authorities also urged organisers to comply with prescribed noise levels and time limits when using loudspeakers, while exercising additional caution and sensitivity during the call to prayer and prayer times at mosques.
District Commandant of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Chattogram Md Sefaul Hossain, senior district police officials, officers-in-charge of various police stations and leaders of Puja celebration committees attended the meeting.
