Gazipur has been gripped by a rising tide of crime, leaving local residents in deep unease over a series of murders, highway robberies, industrial extortion, drug trafficking, and juvenile gang activities.
Maisha Fauzia Srijoni, a medical college student and resident of West Joydebpur, is among the many local citizens now living in fear. Roughly two months ago, whilst returning home from college on a motorcycle, she was targeted by muggers who snatched her gold earrings.
“Many roads now feel unsafe because of muggers. Along with the police, the overall law and order system needs to be strengthened so that people can travel safely,” Srijoni told TIMES of Bangladesh.
An economic hub under threat
The district of Gazipur is a vital driver of the national economy, bustling before dawn with hundreds of thousands of workers arriving from various corners of the country.
Its economy is centred around ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and other industrial factories, drawing people from all over Bangladesh to reside here for work.
With two major highways and a regional road running through the heart of the district, the round-the-clock movement of people makes the local law and order situation a frequent topic of debate.
Although law enforcement agencies claim that crime has decreased compared to last year, several brutal murders have taken place this year.
The most horrific incident occurred on 9 May in Rautkona village of Kapasia Upazila, where five members of the same family – including two infants aged two and eight months – were brutally murdered. The body of the prime suspect was later recovered from a river.
The following day, on 10 May, three men suspected of being cattle thieves were beaten to death (lynched) in Bagchala village of Kaliakair Upazila. In the same month, an auto-rickshaw driver in Gacha was killed by having his throat slit, and his vehicle was stolen.
Locals report that the bodies of auto-rickshaw drivers are frequently found abandoned on roads and highways.
Extortion, unreported crimes
Beyond high-profile killings, highway muggings, juvenile gang activities, and turf wars over the control of the “jhut” (garment scraps) business remain rampant. Local clashes frequently erupt over the jhut trade, transport, worker recruitment, and establishing local dominance.
However, to avoid harassment and hassle, many victims refrain from lodging formal complaints at police stations, which leaves a significant portion of crime out of official government statistics.
On 29 April, the influence of active criminal syndicates in the industrial zone was laid bare when police officers were attacked during an anti-drug operation in the Keranirtek area of Tongi. The clash resulted in injuries to at least five people, including four police officers.
According to data from the Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP), the metropolitan area recorded 55 murder cases in 2021, 57 in 2022, 94 in 2023, 96 in 2024, and 81 in 2025. Up to July of this year, 27 murder cases have been recorded in the metropolitan area.
Meanwhile, data from the Office of the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) reveals that in the five upazilas outside the metropolitan area, there were 27 murder cases in 2021, 34 in 2022, 43 in 2023, 37 in 2024, and 32 in 2025.
Up to July of this year, 18 murders have been recorded across these districts.
Forensic data from the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital further illustrates the grim reality, with the number of bodies brought in for post-mortem examinations rising from 685 in 2021 to 634 in 2022, 665 in 2023, 780 in 2024, and 830 in 2025.
By 9 July of this year, the hospital has already received 535 bodies. Hospital sources noted that these cases include murder, suicide, road accidents, and other unnatural deaths.
Public outcry and economic impact
“Drugs are now the biggest problem,” said Riaz Hasan, a resident of Tongi. “Murder, mugging, and various other crimes are rising because of those involved in the drug trade. People do not feel safe after dark.”
Iftekhar Shishir, general secretary of the Gazipur District Branch of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan), told TIMES, “The prompt trial of criminals must be ensured. If trials for these discussed murders are not held quickly, criminals will become even more reckless.”
The local business community and professionals have also expressed deep concern. Miyaj Uddin, a schoolteacher, remarked: “Since the BNP government assumed office, the tendency of extortion has increased. The law enforcement agencies must play a more effective and strict role in this regard, so that people can move and conduct business in peace.”
Jayedul Hamid, a local businessman, warned of the wider economic fallout: “Gazipur is one of the most important industrial zones in the country. If security is not ensured here, it will have a negative impact on both industry and investment. People still do not feel completely safe.”
The reality of this threat is felt daily by traders like Mohammad Selim, a raw material merchant in Kaliakair. He told TIMES, “Some local youths demanded 100,000 Taka in extortion from me. When I refused to pay, they launched a sudden attack on me, leaving me bloodied and injured.”
Law enforcement response
Law enforcement officials state that criminals from various districts across Bangladesh often seek refuge in Gazipur, where they engage in drug trafficking, muggings, robberies, and other offences before fleeing to other areas.
Authorities have stepped up surveillance and monitoring to identify and apprehend these transient criminals.
Md Belayet Hossain, Additional Commissioner (Crime) of the Gazipur Metropolitan Police, told TIMES: “Compared to the previous year, murders in the metropolitan area have decreased this year.
“The police are giving the highest priority to unravelling the mystery behind every murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Regular drives are also being conducted to suppress mugging, robbery, drugs, and organised crime. No criminal will escape justice.”
Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Sharif Uddin confirmed that the district police are working tirelessly to maintain a normal law and order situation.
“The mystery behind most of the incidents has been unravelled, and operations are ongoing to arrest those involved. Patrols and intelligence surveillance have been further strengthened,” he said.
GMP Commissioner Israil Howlader assured: “The police are performing their duties with the highest level of professionalism to ensure security.”
However, the demand for concrete action remains high.
Advocate Sirajul Islam of the Gazipur Judge Court summarised the feelings of many residents, “We want to be able to travel safely after evening on highways, in industrial zones, and across residential areas.
“More effective initiatives must be taken to control drugs, muggings, extortion, and organised crime.”
