Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the JM Sen Hall puja mandap in Chattogram’s Rahmatganj this evening to exchange Durga Puja greetings with members of the Hindu community.
Security has been stepped up ahead of the visit, with officials from the district administration and law enforcement agencies inspecting arrangements since Monday morning.
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Jahidul Islam Mia yesterday discussed preparations with Puja Udjapan Parishad leaders.
Roads in Kazir Dewri, Jamal Khan, Rahmatganj and Anderkilla have been cleaned, dividers repainted and unauthorised posters and banners removed. Eviction drives have also cleared illegal makeshift shops from footpaths.
The PM is also scheduled to meet local BNP leaders.
JM Sen Hall is a major Durga Puja venue in the city.
Prof Arpan Kanti Banerjee, acting president of the Chattogram City Puja Udjapan Parishad, expressed delight over the visit.
“Due to space constraints inside our mandap, we will not be able to permit more than 300 designated guests inside for security reasons,” he said.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali said police and plainclothes officers had been deployed round-the-clock, with authorities coordinating with organisers to ensure a peaceful event.