DC, SP visit centuries-old puja mandap at Lohagara

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 13: Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Jahidul Islam Miah and District Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Masud Alam visited the nearly 300-year-old Padua Guptabari Sarbojanin Puja Mandap in Lohagara Upazila of Chattogram. 

According to the organisers, this marks the first time the district's two top administrative and police officials have visited this traditional mandap together. Leaders of the Puja Celebration Committee expressed satisfaction with their presence. 

On Monday, the DC and SP visited the mandap to inspect preparations and security arrangements for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja. During the visit, they spoke with the organisers and inquired about overall preparations and security measures. 

The mandap is located in Ward No. 5 of Padua Union in Lohagara, approximately 400 metres east of Padua Bazar.

According to locals said that Durga Puja has been celebrated here for nearly three centuries. While government officials of various ranks have visited the mandap in the past, they could not recall a previous instance where the DC and SP visited together.

Leaders of the Padua Guptabari Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee expressed their delight and noted that this has strengthened their confidence in the administration. They also reported feeling no security concerns regarding the festival.

DC Mohammad Jahidul Islam Miah said that officials from the district administration, police, and Ansar forces are visiting various mandaps to inspect Durga Puja preparations firsthand. They are reviewing the mandaps' readiness, organisers' plans, potential challenges, and the allocation of duties among law-enforcement agencies.

He also assured the organisers of necessary support from the administration. 

Earlier, speaking at an exchange-of-views meeting organised by the Lohagara Upazila administration, the DC remarked that the autumnal Durga Puja is a long-standing, traditional festival. 

He said that the communal harmony and mutual bonds surrounding this festival are the result of sacrifices made by many generations.

SP Md. Masud Alam said that police preparations to ensure security at the 70 community puja mandaps in Lohagara are nearing completion.

He also said that, alongside permanent police deployment at key mandaps, there would be mobile patrols, plainclothes surveillance, and traffic management measures in place.

Citing rumours and disinformation on social media surrounding Durga Puja as a major concern, the SP stated that the central cyber unit, alongside the district police's cyber unit, would work to counter these issues. Arrangements have been made to rapidly disseminate accurate information in coordination with the district and upazila administrations and the Puja Celebration Council.

Among others, Lohagara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Bayezid-Bin-Akhond, Chattogram Additional DC (Revenue) Sakhawat Jamil Saikat, District Ansar and VDP Commandant Md. Sefaul Hossain, and Lohagara Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mong Echen were present on the occasion.