The authorities of the Department of Forest (West) has taken special security measures at Alorkol in Dublar Char near the Sundarbans ahead of the Rash Purnima Puja (Holy Bath), scheduled to begin on November 6.
The three-day ‘Rash Purnima Puja will end on November 8.
Alongside taking other measures, the authorities have imposed a ban on carrying all kinds of meat
except chicken, fireworks and explosives, any domestic weapons and firearms.
Sources said, deer hunting spree sees a sharp rise during the Rash Purnima Puja every year as hundreds of boats carrying thousands of devotees throng the venue at Alorkol in Dublar Char, close to the coast of Bay of Bengal, under Sharankhola Range of the biggest mangrove forest in the world.
“We had a meeting with the district administration to stop poaching of deer at any cost
during the Puja period,” said Md Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer (West Division) of the Sundarbans, adding that the pilgrims will have to travel at five selected points during day time.
Use of loudspeakers, any electronic device and carrying of firearms and ammunitions and travelling at night are completely prohibited, he said.
All preparations have been completed to celebrate the Rash Purnima Puja, he said, adding that Rash Mela has been prohibited due to coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The Rash Purnima Puja Committee has been asked to monitor deer hunting during the festival.
“Alongside the Rapid Action Battalion, Coast Guard and Bangladesh Navy and Patrol teams of the forest department will have to work for the protection of the pilgrims in Pashur, Shewla,
Bhola and Shibsa rivers from November 6 to 8,” the forest official said.
“The forest department has fixed five river routes from Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and adjacent Barguna for the pilgrims to travel to the venue, he said, adding that visitors will have to finish all their activities and leave the forest area before sunset on November 8.
