Crime Surge in Five Areas of Gazipur

As one crosses Abdullahpur in Uttara, the gateway to Gazipur’s Tongi begins along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, which also seems to serve as a gateway to a world of crime. Incidents such as robbery, murder, drug trafficking, and armed assaults are becoming frequent in this area. At least five areas in Gazipur Metropolitan—Tongi Station Road, Tongi Flyover, Chandana Chowrasta, Konabari, and Joydebpur—are now identified by police as ‘crime-prone zones.’

Local residents complain that robbers operate fearlessly even in areas close to police stations, while Chandana Chowrasta turns into a haven for criminals after nightfall. Robberies, sometimes escalating to murders, are reported on Tongi Flyover and Station Road, where vehicles are often stopped by criminals. Residents claim that crime rates have surged further since August 5.

According to Gazipur Metropolitan Police, in the first seven months of this year, 43 murder cases were recorded across eight police stations. Of these, 11 were in Sadar Thana, 22 in Tongi East (from August 24 to August 25), 7 in Tongi West, 7 in Konabari, 5 in Gacha, 4 in Pubail, 5 in Basan, and 4 in Kashimpur. Compared to 2024, the rates of murder, theft, robbery, and dacoity have increased several folds this year. Notable recent murders in Tongi include the killing of Ronju Khan by robbers on the flyover, the murder of college student Mahfuzur Rahman in front of the Roads and Highways office, and the death of elderly Nasir Palowan in Konabari due to an attack by a teenage gang over extortion disputes. These incidents have heightened fear among locals. **Autopsy of Journalist Tuhin: Nine Deep Wounds on Throat, Chest, and Back** Mohammad Mahiuddin Ahmed, Deputy Police Commissioner (South) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, told Kalbela that Tongi has numerous slums where criminals from across the country hide after committing crimes. These slums often become safe havens for drug traffickers and robbers. “We are making it clear—no drug lord, robber, or murderer will be spared. Several major crime syndicates have already been dismantled, and operations will continue,” he said. He added that efforts are underway to restore peace and security across the metropolitan area, including Tongi, with every crime being thoroughly investigated and special forces deployed if necessary. Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan told Kalbela that the closure of several factories has left many workers unemployed, contributing to the rise in crime. Political instability and the influence of past criminal networks have further complicated the situation. He noted that motorcycle checks, plainclothes surveillance, and night-long patrols have been intensified in key areas. Iftekhar Shishir, General Secretary of Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) Gazipur Branch, stated that unplanned urbanization, unemployment, and limited police presence are responsible for the deteriorating situation. He urged the administration to conduct sustained operations against criminals, beyond just patrols. Residents say they are afraid to venture out in Tongi and surrounding areas after dusk, with movement almost halting at night except for emergencies. Locals demand urgent joint efforts by police and the community to bring these crime-prone areas under control.