A preparatory meeting was held in Gopalganj on Sunday to discuss security, law and order and other arrangements for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
The meeting, organised by the Gopalganj district administration, was held at the Swachhata conference room of the deputy commissioner's office at 11am. Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md Arif-uz-Zaman chaired the meeting.
Dr KM Babar, Member of Parliament for Gopalganj-2, attended the meeting as the chief guest.
The meeting discussed coordinated measures to ensure that Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, is celebrated peacefully and in a festive atmosphere across the district.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Shahina Nasrin moderated the meeting. Among those present were Police Superintendent Md Habibullah, BPM-Service; district BNP convener and district council administrator Bir Muktijoddha Sharif Rafiquzzaman; NSI Gopalganj Deputy Director Abu Hena; Gopalganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kaushik Ahmed; officials from the Islamic Foundation, electricity authorities, fire service, municipal administration and other government agencies; and representatives of district and upazila puja celebration committees.
Responding to a demand from members of the Hindu community, MP Dr KM Babar permitted the immersion of Durga idols at Madhumati Lake in the city this year.
The authorities said coordinated and multi-layered measures would be taken to ensure security at every puja venue, maintain law and order and strengthen traffic management during the celebrations.
Police Superintendent Md Habibullah said puja venues would be divided into specific security categories and security zones would be established accordingly.
Adequate numbers of uniformed police, Ansar and Village Defence Party members would be deployed at the venues, while special teams in plain clothes would conduct intelligence surveillance, he said.
He also instructed puja committees to install CCTV cameras and ensure adequate lighting at the venues. He stressed strict adherence to designated schedules and routes for idol immersion.
The district police's cybercrime monitoring cell will remain active round the clock to prevent the spread of misinformation, rumours and provocative posts on social media that could undermine communal harmony.
Police urged people not to pay heed to rumours and to contact the nearest police station, the national emergency service 999 or the Gopalganj Police Control Room at 01320100298 in case of emergencies.
The police superintendent called for cooperation from residents, religious leaders and media workers to ensure a safe, peaceful and festive Durga Puja while maintaining communal harmony and mutual respect across the district.
Senior officials of the district administration and leaders of puja celebration committees at district and upazila levels attended the meeting.
