|| Md. Ashraful Alam Mandal, Gazipur: Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) has pledged to take firm action against footpath encroachment, drug trafficking, mugging, juvenile gangs and other criminal activities, while ensuring stability in the garment sector and improving public safety across Gazipur city.Newly appointed GMP Commissioner Mohammad Ashik Said made the commitment at an exchange of views with local journalists at the GMP Headquarters conference room on Monday (November 10).The meeting, held at noon, focused on the city's law and order situation, growing urban challenges and possible measures to address them through coordinated efforts involving police, journalists and other stakeholders.At the outset, the commissioner introduced himself to the journalists and listened to their observations and suggestions on various problems facing the metropolitan area.Journalists Delwar Hossain, Fazlul Haque Moral, Mujibur Rahman, Rezaul Bari Babul, Azizul Haque, Iqbal Ahmed Sarker, Abul Hossain and Ijaz Ahmed Milan, among others, shared their views and recommendations.Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Ashik Said said cooperation from all sections of society was essential to make the police force more effective and strengthen law enforcement in the post-August 5 situation.He said he had been reviewing the overall situation in Gazipur since taking charge, with particular attention to maintaining stability in the garment industry, where labour unrest and tensions have emerged in recent times."Efforts are underway to resolve the problems in the garment sector through coordination between the police and relevant stakeholders," he said.The meeting was informed that around 17 to 18 factories in Konabari, Kashimpur and Basan had temporarily announced holidays following workers' work stoppages. Police, however, remained alert to prevent any untoward incidents.Taking a firm position against drugs, the commissioner declared a zero-tolerance policy, stressing that no one involved in drug-related activities would be spared, regardless of political affiliation or position."Whether the person is affiliated with a political party or is a member of the police force, nobody will be given any special consideration," he said.On the growing concerns over mugging and online gambling, he said the police had already identified several criminal networks and were taking effective measures to dismantle them. He expressed optimism that visible results would be achieved soon.The commissioner also announced special security arrangements for students, particularly female students travelling to and from educational institutions.Police mobile teams will be deployed at the main gates of schools and colleges and other important points during opening and closing hours to ensure students' safety and prevent harassment and the activities of juvenile gangs.Addressing the city's persistent traffic congestion, Ashik Said identified unplanned urbanisation and inadequate road infrastructure as major factors behind the worsening situation.He said traffic police had been working on the streets since early morning to maintain order, while a practical action plan was being developed to improve traffic management through more systematic and coordinated measures.The commissioner also stressed the importance of removing illegal occupation of footpaths to ensure smooth pedestrian movement and restore discipline in public spaces.Concluding the meeting, he sought the cooperation of journalists and residents, urging them to share reliable information and constructive suggestions to help make Gazipur a safer, more orderly and peaceful metropolitan city.His remarks signal a tougher law enforcement approach, with particular emphasis on public safety, drug control, traffic discipline, protection of students and stability in the country's important industrial hub.