Extensive security measures have been taken at 781 puja mandaps in Faridpur district ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.

The authorities have directed the organisers to install CCTV cameras, ensure adequate lighting and deploy volunteers at each venue.

The directives were issued at a meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam on Sunday morning at the conference room of the Faridpur deputy commissioner.

Members of Puja Udjapon Committees, senior officials of government agencies and civil society representatives were present at the meeting and discussed about security, law and order, traffic management and idol immersion arrangements at the puja venues.

The puja mandaps will be categorised based on security risks, with security arrangements strengthened accordingly.

Police, Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) members will be deployed at the puja venues while plainclothes police and intelligence personnel will also remain on duty, the meeting was told.

Shahriar Mohammad Miaji, Superintendent of Faridpur Police said the district police have made all-out preparations to ensure that Durga Puja is celebrated in a safe and peaceful environment while maintaining communal harmony and mutual goodwill.

Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam said the administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure peaceful and uninterrupted celebrations.

He urged people to maintain tolerance, harmony and goodwill during the festival.

The authorities also instructed the organisers to strictly follow the designated schedules and routes for idol immersion.

They advised against playing drums or other musical instruments at high volume during Maghrib and Isha prayer times in order to maintain religious harmony.

The district police’s cybercrime monitoring cell will remain active round the clock to prevent attempts to disrupt communal harmony through rumours, misleading information or provocative posts on social media.

People have been advised to contact the national emergency service 999 or the Faridpur Police Control Room in case of any emergency.

Leaders of Puja Udjapon Committee requested the authorities to minimise load shedding and take effective traffic management measures, particularly in Faridpur city, during the festival.