BAGERHAT, Nov 4, 2025 (BSS) - Stringent security measures have been enforced around Dublar Char in the Sundarbans to ensure peaceful celebration of the century-old Rash Purnima and Punnya Snan (spiritual bath) festival.

"We have taken tight security measures for ensuring peaceful and festive celebrations of the Rash Purnima," said a press release signed by Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) media officer Lt. Com. Siam-ul-Haque.

The BCG spokesperson said the force has long been entrusted with safeguarding the lives and properties of the people alongside protecting religious and important establishments and maintaining law and order across the coastal belts. 

He added that the Coast Guard has ensured foolproof security around Dublar Char in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to guarantee the safety and security of devotees.

A diving unit of the BCG has been kept ready to handle any untoward incident during the festival, which began on Monday morning and will continue for three days.

Rash Purnima-one of the major festivals of the Manipuri community-is celebrated during the full moon of autumn. According to legend, in 1779, Maharaja Bhagya Chandra, on the day of Shukla Purnima in the Bangla month of Agrahayan, initiated the tradition.

Since then, the Sri Sri Krishna Maha Rash Leela has become one of the biggest annual festivals for the Manipuri community. Over the past two centuries, this tradition has evolved into a vibrant cultural celebration attracting people from diverse backgrounds and parts of the world.

In recent operations, the BCG seized 26 firearms, 63 local weapons, 366 rounds of cartridges, and equipment used for producing firearms. The Coast Guard personnel also rescued six women and 48 fishermen, and arrested 42 pirates during the operations.

Additionally, 24 deer poachers were detained, and 720 kilograms of deer meat, along with skins, heads, and legs of deer, were seized.