Kamrul Hasan: Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, Principal Adviser to the Interim Government on Defence and National Cohesion Development (with Adviser status), has stated that the Sharadiya Durga Puja is being celebrated peacefully in Manikganj amid strict security measures and a spirit of communal harmony.

On Monday evening, he visited Durga Puja pandals at Kalibari, Beutha, and Baniyajuri Malakar Bari in Manikganj town. During his visit, he addressed the Puja committees, priests, political leaders, and visitors, expressing satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the festival.

Abdul Hafiz said, “Sharadiya Durga Puja is one of Bangladesh’s largest religious and social festivals. The administration is fully committed to ensuring that this festival is conducted smoothly and peacefully.” He further stated that the army, RAB, police, Ansar, local representatives, and volunteers are working in coordination to maintain law and order at every pandal.

He added that the sound of drums, the crowd of devotees and visitors, and the visible presence of security forces have made every pandal vibrant with festive spirit. The administration has installed CCTV cameras, deployed security patrols, and activated volunteer teams at every pandal. Strict intelligence monitoring has also been ensured to prevent any untoward incidents.

During his visit, he appreciated the praise from the Puja committees and general visitors regarding the government’s measures and called on everyone to work together to maintain communal harmony.

Earlier, he attended a special law-and-order review meeting at the District Administration Conference Hall on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and participated as the chief guest in a cheque distribution event organized by the district council to support Puja committees financially.

The event was attended by District Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Manowar Hossain Molla, Superintendent of Police Mosha: Yasmin Khatun, senior officials of the district administration, former President of Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association and owner of Venus Jewellers Gangacharan Malakar, Vice President of the District Puja Committee Basudeb Goswami, President of District Hindu Welfare Trust Gouranga Chandra Sarkar, President of Anandamoyee Kali Mandir Dr. Omesh Sarkar, member of the District BNP Steering Committee Nasir Uddin Ahmed Jadu, President of Beutha Sarbajanin Puja Pandal Advocate Dilip Rajbanshi, member of the Advisory Board and General Secretary of World BNP Advocate Murad Hossain, Joint General Secretary Mithu Robi Das, Vice President Aradhan Rajbanshi, along with Puja committees and prominent leaders from various political parties.