8 BGB platoons deployed in Naogaon to ensure Durga Puja security

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to ensure security at Durga Puja mandaps in the district town and border areas of Naogaon. UNB

Naogaon, Oct 16 — A total of eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to ensure security at Durga Puja mandaps in the district town and border areas of Naogaon on the occasion of the Hindu community’s biggest religious festival.

The deployment aims to ensure a safe, peaceful, and festive atmosphere during Durga Puja 2026, which began on Friday, a press release from the Naogaon Battalion (16 BGB) said.

Of the eight platoons, three from different Border Outposts (BOPs) are providing security at mandaps within an eight-kilometre radius of the border, while another three from the battalion headquarters are covering mandaps within a three-kilometre radius of the headquarters.

The remaining two platoons have been kept on standby at the battalion headquarters to respond to any emergency.

BGB conducted preparatory patrols around the puja mandaps from October 10 to 15. From Friday, BGB personnel will conduct further patrols in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to maintain security throughout the battalion’s area of responsibility.

According to the release, seven Puja mandaps are located within eight kilometres of the border in the battalion’s jurisdiction. Of these, four are in Porsha upazila under Nitpur BOP, while three are in Sapahar upazila—one under Hapania BOP and two under Bamanpara BOP.

The remaining 43 mandaps are located within a three-kilometre radius of the battalion headquarters in Naogaon town, bringing the total number of mandaps under the security arrangements to 50.

Meanwhile, 16 BGB Commanding Officer Lt Col Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum has visited several Puja mandaps to assess security arrangements and the law-and-order situation.

He also exchanged views with people involved in organising the festival and provided financial assistance to the mandaps on the occasion of Durga Puja. - UNB