A Correspondent:
Bandarban: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Sa Ching Prue has said Durga Puja is not confined to any particular religious or social community but serves as a unique bridge that strengthens longstanding social bonds, mutual respect and communal harmony.
The festival symbolises the triumph of truth and beauty over injustice and evil, he said while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Durga Puja festival and Sharad Mela at Rajar Math (King’s Ground) in Bandarban on Friday, according to a handout.
Emphasising the importance of security and order at Puja mandaps, the minister said the government was firmly committed to ensuring the safety, fundamental rights and overall well-being of every com-munity in the country.
He said the district and local administrations had taken comprehensive security measures to ensure that people of all religions and backgrounds could celebrate the festival peacefully and joyfully.
He urged law enforcement agencies, Puja celebration committees and local residents to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents during the festivities.
Earlier, the minister inaugurated the Durga Puja festival and Sharad Mela.
Durga Puja is being celebrated with grandeur at 33 Puja mandaps across the seven upazilas of Bandarban district. The festival will conclude on October 21 with the immersion of the idols.
Following the ceremony, Sa Ching Prue distributed educational scholarships among meritorious students from the area.
Among others, Brigadier General Mohammad Ariful Islam, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Naznin Sultana and Superintendent of Police Md Wahabul Islam Khandaker attended the event.
