Chattogram Police Commissioner’s Bold Declaration: A Beacon of Hope or a Shadow of Uncertainty?

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৪:২০ পিএম, ২০২৫-১১-১৩

— Md. Kamal Uddin | Sada-Kalo Multimedia News House

Across Chattogram city, one topic dominates every conversation—the bold announcement made by Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, who declared: “The suppression of armed terrorists and the assurance of public safety is now the police’s foremost duty.” Following his statement, a wave of mixed reactions has swept through the city. Some call it a sign of courageous leadership, while others remain skeptical—“Let’s see if actions follow the words.” The Sada-Kalo Multimedia News House, in collaboration with Chotrol Chitro, Bhore’r Awaj, Tourist Patrika, Kotha TV, and Shomoyer Alo, conducted an extensive public opinion survey across the city the very next day. Their teams visited nearly 50 locations, including New Market, Reazuddin Bazar, Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, Oxygen Mor, Agrabad, Bandar, Patenga, Chaktai-Khatunganj, Kaptai Rastar Matha, Shah Amanat Bridge, and Alankar Circle.

Voices from the Streets: A Mix of Hope and Hesitation

The survey interviewed 50 citizens—businessmen, teachers, workers, rickshaw pullers, students, women representatives, artists, social workers, and youth. The First Wave of Public Sentiment: Rays of Hope. After years of fear and frustration, many citizens welcomed the commissioner’s statement. Md. Alamgir, a fabric trader at Reazuddin Bazar, said: “For years, we’ve opened our shops in fear of extortionists. Hearing the commissioner’s words gives us courage. If real action follows, we’ll stand by the police.”

Taman­na Afroze, a young student at New Market, expressed optimism: “We want a safer Chattogram. Women still fear going out at night. If the commissioner keeps his promise, our generation will begin to see the police differently.” A bus driver from Oxygen Mor added: “Passengers fear traveling at night. If the police keep the roads safe, we can finally work in peace.” 

Muradpur & Agrabad Residents: Words Must Become Action

Rafiqul Islam, a teacher from Muradpur, remarked: “The declaration sounds great, but we’ve heard such promises before. They start strong but fade quickly. This time, we want to see results.” A banker from Agrabad shared: “When I leave the office at night, the streets feel unsafe. If the police truly act, this city will finally breathe again.” 

Chaktai & Khatunganj Traders: Courage, Not Compromise

A food wholesaler at Khatunganj said: “We support the police. But the problem is—whenever they go after big criminals, influential people start calling. If the commissioner can resist those pressures, change will come.” Another trader added with a smile: “A statement only matters when we see pistols and rifles seized on the ground, not just on paper.”

Patenga & Bandar: Workers See a Light of Trust

Sohel, a truck worker from the port area, said: “Gangs often stop trucks at night demanding money. If the police crack down, we can finally work without fear.” A restaurant owner in Patenga said: “More police patrols will not only bring safety but also attract tourists. Business will thrive again.”

Oxygen & Kaptai Road: Youth Demand a Neutral Force

A college student near Kaptai Rastar Matha said: “We want the police to stay above politics. Their job should be fighting crime, not guarding parties. If the commissioner can do that, he’ll make history.” A young entrepreneur added: “The youth of today wants justice in Chattogram. If the police become a symbol of fairness, society itself will transform.”

Alankar & Shah Amanat Bridge: Women’s Perspective

A female garment worker from Alankar said: “We tremble in fear returning home at night. If we see police patrolling, we’ll finally feel safe.” A university student near Shah Amanat Bridge commented: “We saw the announcement on social media. We just hope the police work for everyone—not just the powerful.”

Tea Stall Conversations at New Market: Hope with Skepticism

As evening fell, lively discussions erupted at local tea stalls. Some praised the commissioner’s bravery, others whispered, “Let’s see—soon it might be business as usual again.” An ex-government officer joined in: “A country where police commissioners report to the people is a country where law and order thrive. If Hasib Aziz truly makes citizens his partners, Chattogram will change.”

Silent Endorsement in Bahaddarhat & Muradpur

A small business owner in Bahaddarhat said: “We don’t want the police to spread fear—we want them to remove it.” A CNG driver from Muradpur echoed: “If extortion stops, we’ll survive. We want to trust the police again—but past experiences make it hard. Let’s wait and see.”

Experts’ View: A Test of Professionalism

Veteran journalist Nazrul Islam remarked: “This announcement reflects administrative courage. But the true challenge lies in restoring professionalism within the police force.” A social worker noted: “Public safety means not just catching armed gangs—it also means tackling drugs, harassment, and extortion through united action.”

Survey Summary (50 Participants):

• 32 respondents (65%) called the move “a bold and necessary step.” 11 (22%) supported it conditionally, saying “only sustained action will matter.” 7 (13%) dismissed it as “a show of administration with no real outcome.” Thus, two-thirds of Chattogram residents are hopeful, one-fifth cautiously supportive, and a small minority doubtful.

Special Comments:

A young poet smiled and said: “I see poetry in his words—‘Courage is not standing before weapons, but standing beside justice.’” A rickshaw puller added simply: “We don’t understand politics. We just want the police to be friends of the poor.”

The People’s Message:

The survey revealed one clear sentiment—Chattogram’s citizens are tired of fear and violence. They now want action, not assurances. A female teacher summarized it best: “Every generation wants safety. If this city becomes secure again, our children will breathe in freedom.”

Can Chattogram Regain Its Trust?

The findings show a cautious optimism among citizens. While they welcome Commissioner Hasib Aziz’s declaration, they await proof through real action. As one elderly citizen appealed: “If you can truly restore this city’s safety, history will honor you.” Every soul in Chattogram now waits for that history to begin. — This public opinion report is published in the public interest by Sada-Kalo Multimedia News House — “Because the voice of the people is the mirror of governance, and only in the light of truth can a city truly change.”