As one crosses Abdullahpur in Uttara from Dhaka, the boundary of Gazipur Metropolitan City begins, and with it, a surge in criminal activities. Areas like Tongi Station Road, Tongi Flyover, Chandana Chowrasta, Joydebpur, and Konabari have become hotspots for crimes such as theft, mugging, robbery, and murder, according to local residents.Gazipur Metropolitan Police report that Tongi Station Road, Tongi Flyover, Chandana Chowrasta, Joydebpur, and Konabari witness the highest rates of theft, mugging, robbery, and homicide. Despite increased police patrols and surveillance, these areas remain plagued by crime, with a notable rise since August 5.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan stated, “After August 5, many factories in Gazipur shut down, leading to unemployment and a subsequent rise in crime. The previous regime had a strong presence here, and some groups are now destabilizing the region.” He added that focusing on these groups diverts attention from other crimes.
According to police data, the eight police stations in Gazipur recorded 43 murder cases in the past seven months. Gazipur Sadar Thana reported the highest with 11 cases, compared to 8 for the entire year of 2024. Other stations reported: Konabari (7), Tongi East (8), Tongi West (6), Gacha (5), Basan (5), Kashimpur (4), and Pubail (4). In 2024, the total murder cases across these stations were 48. Incidents of theft, mugging, and robbery have also surged significantly this year.
Recent high-profile murders have caused widespread concern. On May 16, private car driver Ronju Khan was stabbed to death by muggers on Tongi Flyover. On July 10, college student Mahfuzur Rahman was killed by muggers near the Tongi Roads and Highways Office. On May 17, a youth named Mo Ronju (32) was killed by muggers on Tongi Flyover. Most recently, on August 7, journalist Asaduzzaman was hacked to death in broad daylight at Chandana Chowrasta.
Local resident Nasir Uddin said, “People are afraid to move around after dusk. Even during the day, we fear traveling alone. Police patrols need to be intensified.” Additional Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan confirmed that patrols have been increased in crowded areas following Asaduzzaman’s murder, with plainclothes officers conducting surveillance and motorcycle checks.
Iftikhar Shishir, General Secretary of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujon) Gazipur, stated, “Factory closures, unemployment, unplanned urbanization, police indifference, and political instability are driving the rise in crime.”
