To ensure security during Durga puja, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) strengthened security patrols in Cox’s Bazar for nine consecutive days. Special patrols were conducted by Cox’s Bazar 34 Battalion and Ukhiya 64 Battalion of the BGB.
In Cox’s Bazar city and the bordering areas under the responsibility of BGB’s 34 Battalion, the country’s largest Hindu religious festival, Durga Puja, was celebrated peacefully. With the long holiday, over a hundred thousand tourists visited Cox’s Bazar daily.
To ensure uninterrupted security, four platoons of BGB were deployed between September 24 and October 2, confirmed Lt. Col. S. M. Khairul Alam, PSC, Commanding Officer of Cox’s Bazar 34 Battalion.
He said additional patrols and surveillance were carried out to ensure peaceful celebrations. The 34 Battalion worked in close coordination with the local administration and law enforcement agencies. Security was maintained at the country’s largest immersion ceremony held at Cox’s Bazar sea beach, where several hundred thousand tourists gathered. Alongside ensuring public safety, BGB also remained vigilant against cross-border smuggling and unlawful activities.
Meanwhile, in Teknaf and Ukhiya upazilas, BGB’s Ukhiya 64 Battalion provided continuous security at Durga Puja mandaps for nine days. Four platoons of BGB were deployed to ensure round-the-clock protection at all Puja venues.
According to BGB, under directives from higher authorities, intelligence and surveillance were intensified between September 24 and October 2. Members of 64 Battalion maintained patrol duties at six Puja mandaps located in the Ukhiya border region. Security continued until the conclusion of Durga Puja rituals on October 2 (Bijoya Dashami). Idols brought for immersion from Baharchhara area near Marine Drive were successfully immersed in the sea with BGB support, without any untoward incident. Idol immersions at two points of the Naf River also took place under BGB protection.
On October 1, Lt. Col. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Commanding Officer of 64 Battalion, personally inspected two mandaps in the border area of Hnila. He exchanged greetings with mandap authorities, members, and priests, and also presented a gift to the head priest.
He said, “BGB is not only committed to guarding the borders but also stands strong in ensuring peace and communal harmony for the people living along the frontier. We remain prepared to deal with any situation.”
