DHAKA, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh has tightened security across the country for the peaceful celebration of the largest Buddhist festival, the country's police chief said Tuesday.
"Buddha Purnima," one of the major Buddhist festivals, marks Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death.
During a special meeting with law enforcement agency officials, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Mohammad Javed Patwary said special security measures have been taken in the Buddhist temples for peaceful celebration.
However, he said there is no specific threat ahead of Buddha Purnima slated to be celebrated in Bangladesh on May 18.
Senior police officials and representatives of the Buddhist community, among others, were present in the meeting where the police chief also instructed law enforcers to carry out block raids, set up checkpoints ahead of the festival.
He also instructed to increase social media surveillance to check misleading information.
Buddha Purnima will be celebrated in all Bangladesh monasteries and other religious organizations through daylong programs which include hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries, lighting of lamps, and recitation from the sacred verses and breaking of fast by the monks.
