NILPHAMARI, Sept 16: This year, Sharadiya Durga Puja will be celebrated at 847 puja mandaps across the district, according to the district-level meeting on security and law and order held at the Deputy Commissioner (DC) office on Tuesday afternoon.
The meeting was presided over by DC and District Magistrate Mohammad Nayiruzzaman and conducted by Additional DC (General) Jyoti Bikash Chandra.
Nilphamari Municipality Administrator Saidul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police ABM Faizul Islam, BNP District Convener Mir Selim Faruk and Member Secretary AHM Saifullah Rubel, District Jamaat Ameer Principal Maulana Abdus Sattar and Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Khairul Anam, Islami Andolan District President Yasin Ali, NCP District Office Secretary Akhtaruzzaman, Gono Odhikar Parishad District President Jahangir Hossain, and Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front District Convener Probir Guha Rintu, among others, addressed the meeting.
Speakers assured that Durga Puja will be celebrated in a safe and festive atmosphere. They emphasised that last year, even after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's fascist regime, the festival was held peacefully and joyfully. Urging people not to believe in rumours, they said the administration, armed forces, law-enforcement agencies, political parties, and people from all walks of life stand by the Hindu community.
BNP District Member Secretary AHM Saifullah Rubel said, "Not only during Durga Puja, we are always beside our Hindu brothers and sisters. Our party has already formed a monitoring committee, instructed leaders of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Front, and initiated groundwork at the grassroots. Every party worker will be active."
Jamaat Ameer Principal Maulana Abdus Sattar said, "Our Hindu brothers and sisters are citizens of this country. There is no reason to look at them differently. It is their right to practise their religion. We too have taken initiatives to assist in ensuring a festive environment during Durga Puja."
DC Mohammad Nayiruzzaman said that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the smooth celebration of the festival in a united manner. He added that, along with the administration, political parties and volunteer groups at each mandap will help maintain law and order. All mandaps will also be brought under CCTV surveillance.
Meanwhile, Nilphamari Press Club General Secretary Nur Alam announced that the district's top three puja mandaps will be awarded for their arrangements.
The Relief Directorate has also allocated 500 kg of rice for each mandap ahead of the festival.
