River Police will remain vigilant round the clock to ensure that members of the Hindu community and visitors can celebrate Durga Puja safely and peacefully through waterways, said its chief Mohammad Rezaul Karim.

“River Police will remain active round the clock to ensure that Sanatan devotees and visitors can celebrate the traditional Bengali festival of Durga Puja in a safe and joyful environment through waterways,” said the Additional Inspector General of Police of River Police.

He was speaking at a special meeting held at the River Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday to review security preparations for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja.

Rezaul Karim directed the concerned authorities to prevent overcrowding during idol immersion, complete the immersion within the scheduled time and ensure that boats do not carry passengers beyond their capacity.

He also instructed the concerned officials to ensure the availability of life jackets and necessary rescue equipment.

The meeting reviewed security arrangements at puja mandaps, waterways and ferry ghats, as well as measures to maintain discipline during idol immersion and prevent any untoward incidents on waterways.

It was decided to strengthen patrols at important points on waterways and maintain 24-hour monitoring through control rooms.

Senior River Police officials and representatives of the concerned Puja celebration committees attended the meeting.

The participants expressed satisfaction with the overall preparations and security measures taken by the Rivrer Police and assured that they would follow the security guidelines.