Police in Khulna have taken tight security measures in different churches across the port city and district ahead of Christmas, the biggest festival of the Christian community.
Police have deployed special security measures at 633 Christian institutions, including 141 designated as high-priority. Law enforcement agencies, including district, metropolitan, and intelligence police, will maintain strict vigilance at major churches such as Baptist, Catholic, and other key congregations.
Sources say Christian communities in Khulna division include 21,456 in Khulna, 5,890 in Bagerhat, 30,000 in Satkhira, 12,370 in Jessore, 7,000 in Jhenaidah, 10,332 in Magura, 1,200 in Narail, 900 in Kushtia, 6,000 in Chuadanga, and 13,000 in Meherpur.
This year, all religious activities—including prayers, discussions, feasts, and sports events—will be held inside church premises. Baptist churches will hold prayers on the night of December 24 (10 PM–2 AM) and the morning of December 25 (8–10 AM), while Catholic churches will conduct prayers on the morning of December 25 from 8 to 10 AM.
Khulna District Christian Association President Tushar Dobe Bablu said discussions with the administration on December 21–23 focused on ensuring the security of the community and religious institutions, especially considering the ongoing political and electoral climate. Joint Secretary Michael Sarkar added that authorities were proactively planning safety measures.
Khulna Range Additional DIG (Operations) Sheikh Zaynuddin confirmed that police have identified 141 high-priority institutions for heightened security, while the remaining 482 churches will also receive special attention. KMP Additional Police Commissioner Abu Raihan Muhammad Saleh urged citizens to report any suspicious activity promptly.
Sanjay Dobe, Secretary of Sonadanga Baptist Church, said that all religious festivities would proceed smoothly within church premises, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.
