New Gazipur police chief faces major law and order challenges

Newly appointed Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Commissioner DIG Mohammad Ashik Saeed has taken charge, pledging to strengthen security, maintain industrial peace and improve traffic management in the city.

After assuming office on Sunday, he held a meeting with senior GMP officials and issued instructions to strengthen overall security across the metropolitan area.

Ashik Saeed was transferred from his post as DIG of Rajshahi Range to GMP commissioner through a notification issued by the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry on November 3.

He previously served as commissioner of Barishal Metropolitan Police and held several important positions at Police Headquarters. His predecessor, Mohammad Israil Howlader, has been promoted and transferred as chief of Industrial Police.

The new commissioner faces several challenges in Gazipur, one of the country’s largest industrial hubs and a densely populated urban area. Labour unrest, rising criminal activities and persistent traffic congestion are among the key concerns.

Local observers and residents say labour disputes in the city’s industrial areas frequently disrupt traffic on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, sometimes resulting in damage to property and public suffering.

Preventing unrest in garment factories and other industrial establishments, curbing juvenile gangs, extortion and drug trafficking, and easing congestion at major points such as Chandra, Bhogra Bypass and Board Bazar are among the major priorities.

Speaking to journalists after taking charge, Ashik Saeed said industrial security and the protection of workers’ legitimate rights would receive the highest priority.

“Gazipur is one of the driving forces of the country’s economy. The security of industrial establishments and the legitimate demands and protection of workers will remain our top priorities. No one involved in incitement or creating disorder will be spared,” he said.

He said a coordinated communication system involving factory owners, workers and police would be developed to resolve problems at an early stage.

The commissioner also pledged to make the police more public-friendly, ensuring that people could file general diaries and cases at police stations without fear and receive prompt legal assistance.

He warned that departmental action would be taken against police personnel if negligence or corruption were proven.

Ashik Saeed said he had already met traffic officials and instructed them to take prompt action against illegal parking and encroachment on footpaths along highways.

He also ordered strict measures to prevent vehicles from stopping indiscriminately to pick up and drop off passengers, expressing hope that visible improvements would be made to traffic management soon.

GMP Additional Police Commissioners Mohammad Taherul Haque Chowhan (Administration and Finance) and Mohammad Belayet Hossain (Crime and Operations), who attended the charge-taking meeting, expressed confidence that the new commissioner’s experience would make the force more dynamic and professional.

Local businesspeople and residents hope the leadership change will help maintain peace in industrial areas and improve security on roads and public spaces.