KHULNA, Aug 14, 2025 (BSS) - All preparations, including extensive security arrangements, have been completed in Khulna to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations of Janmashtami, the second-largest religious festival of the Hindu community, beginning on August 16 across the country.

Assistant Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Khondokar Ahsan Ahmed today said that the district administration, Khulna City Corporation and law enforcement agencies have taken comprehensive measures, including traffic management, for the upcoming festivities.

A coordination meeting, held at the KMP headquarters on August 11, finalized decisions regarding security and traffic arrangements for the Janmashtami procession. 

Security measures will remain in place from today until Tuesday to ensure a safe and vibrant celebration of the traditional festival.

The celebration will begin with a grand rally from Golokmony Shishu Park premises at 3:30 pm on August 16, parading through important city streets before returning to the starting point, City Unit Puja Udjapon Parishad General Secretary Prashanta Kumar Kundu told BSS.

Various religious organizations, including Thana Puja Udjapon Parishads and temple committees, will join the rally carrying musical instruments, festoons, placards, conch shells and portraits of Lord Krishna. Devotees will also distribute consecrated food among participants.

Following the rally, a discussion will be held at the same venue, where Khulna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam is expected to inaugurate the rally as the chief guest.

As part of the festival, cultural programmes and other events will be organized at Dharmosabha Temple in Khulna from August 17 to 19. 

The Sri Sri Krishna Puja will take place at Kalibaripara Sarbojonin Puja Mandir at 12:01 am on August 16, seeking blessings for the welfare of the people and the nation, Kundu added.

In a joint statement, Puja Udjapon Parishad President Shyamol Halder and General Secretary Prashanta Kumar Kundu said five sub-committees have been formed to ensure smooth celebrations.

Meanwhile, Khulna District Puja Udjapon Parishad President Krishna Pad Das and General Secretary Biman Saha told BSS that a Mongal Shovajatra will start at 3:00 pm on August 16 from Dolkhola Sri Sri Shitolamata Mandir. 

Former parliament member from Khulna-2 constituency Ali Asgar Lobi is expected to attend as chief guest. The programme will feature a rally, cultural performances, Sri Sri Krishna Puja, religious discussions and recitation of the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Assistant Commissioner Khondokar Ahsanur Rahman urged participants to remain vigilant, verify the identities of rally participants and maintain respect for all religious sentiments. 

He also advised against the use of loudspeakers during prayers, the spread of misleading propaganda on social media and called for ensuring alternative traffic routes during processions.

Security measures include metal detectors, a control room for emergency contac, and deployment of plainclothes police, detectives and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel. 

KMP, Khulna District Police, and RAB-6 sources confirmed the deployment of adequate law enforcement in Khulna city and all nine upazilas of the district to maintain law and order during the celebrations.