Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Commissioner Dr Md Nazmul Karim Khan has urged the public to allow the police to perform their duties, describing the force as being in a “very weak” and “traumatized” state.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday about the suspects involved in the murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin, the commissioner said, “Please let the police work. I have repeatedly said through you [the media] that I will work, and I am seeking your cooperation.”
He added that the courage once shown by even one police officer is now missing, even among groups of three officers. “Police are still scared and traumatized. Many policemen were beaten to death on August 5. I am not defending those deaths, but police are traumatized. Expecting the same policing from a traumatized force is unrealistic.
The GMP commissioner acknowledged that while the police could not prevent the crimes, they have been successful in arresting suspects within 24 hours. “We have been able to detect and catch the perpetrators. I ask for public cooperation in prevention efforts.”
On Tuhin’s murder, he said CCTV footage showed suspects attacking a man named Badsha with machetes. Despite the violence, no one called for help. “If police were present and did not intervene, that would be negligence. But negligence and limitations are different.”
The commissioner said only one journalist showed courage to photograph the attack, a choice that cost him his life. “By the time police arrived, the attackers had fled,” he said.
He also highlighted challenges to law and order, citing factory closures since August 5 that have driven some unemployed workers to crime. He alleged that a political party with strong influence in Gazipur is trying to destabilize the area.
Nazmul also said Badsha had withdrawn Tk 25,000 from a bank when accused Golapi allegedly lured him into a honey trap. When Badsha resisted, she assaulted him, and her associates attacked him with machetes. Tuhin, who filmed the assault, refused to delete the footage and was hacked to death.
Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder.
Admitting manpower shortages, the commissioner stressed the importance of public support, saying, “No country can bring crime down to zero. Despite our efforts, incidents happen.”
Tuhin, 32, a reporter for Dainik Protidiner Kagoj, was killed on August 7, sparking grief and outrage.