Don't use loudspeaker during Ratha Yatra

In the wake of recent militant activities, police have requested the Hindu devotees not to use any loudspeaker during Ratha Yatra (a festival of drawing chariot). 

The Ratha Yatra Utsab would be celebrated for nine days from June 25. The devotees on the occasion bring out processions with chariots and distribute Prasad (the food offering to a deity).

Police made the request in a meeting at the police headquarters on Monday to discuss about security and traffic management issues during the festival. Participants have been asked not to throw any food or fruit during the procession.

“The decision has been taken considering the possible security threats,” Jayanta Sen, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, told The Daily Star.

Jayanta, who was present in the meeting, said if any criminal activity takes place in the procession, police will not able to detect it immediately due to the loud music.

Besides, the loud music also causes disturbances for children and old people, he said. However, loud music can be played for indoor programmes, he added.

Asked about the restriction on throwing fruits in the path of the rolling chariot, Jayanta said it is difficult for them to trace what people would throw -- fruit or something destructive.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque presided over the meeting. He instructed the law enforcement and intelligence agencies to ensure safe and peaceful Ratha Yatra.

He also asked the law enforcers to create a security fence at each temple by appointing adequate number of volunteers.

In the meeting, a decision was also made regarding deploying sufficient force at every intersection, foot-over bridge, and front and back of the procession, and installing CCTV cameras, to ensure tight security for the devotees.

Saheli Ferdous, assistant inspector general of police headquarters, said the Hindu community leaders had welcomed the decision of the meeting and agreed that loud music should not be played as it hampers security.