By Md. Kamal Uddin
There are certain events in a person’s life that transcend the personal and become part of history itself. Likewise, there are individuals whose journeys cannot be confined to a job, a position, or an identity. Through struggle, courage, stigma, discrimination, and ultimately the triumph of justice, they become living chapters of inspiration.
Whenever I think of Mohammad Jasim Uddin, an officer of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, I am reminded of this reality.
Throughout my long career in journalism, I have known countless police officers. Some rose to prominence through power and influence, only to fade away with time. Yet there are a few whose names endure because of their character, integrity, courage, and dedication to duty. Jasim Uddin belongs to that rare category.
I have known him for more than three decades. Since the beginning of his career, I have observed him closely. The confidence, courage, and professional integrity I saw in him as a young police officer remain intact to this day.
At that time, the country’s political landscape was highly volatile. Changes in government, political rivalries, and administrative pressures created a challenging environment. During that period, Jasim Uddin, accompanied by me and M.A. Hashem Raju, visited the residence of influential BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury. I had been assigned the responsibility of obtaining police permission for Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury’s public rally at Bahaddarhat. Jasim, who was then serving as a Sub-Inspector at Chandgaon Police Station, accompanied us to his residence in that context.
Given the political circumstances of the time, the incident was interpreted differently by many observers. It eventually drew the attention of intelligence agencies. In particular, a DGFI major reportedly attempted to have Jasim dismissed from service, although I personally intervened and managed the situation. Discussions and speculation spread both within and outside the administration.
I still vividly remember that he was warned at the time. He was told that he might lose his job. Yet the young police officer remained completely unfazed.
He said, “I have committed no wrongdoing. I simply paid my respects to a nationally recognized political leader. Even if I lose my job because of this, I will have no regrets.”
That courageous statement remains etched in my memory.
True courage reveals itself when a person recognizes the risks ahead yet continues to stand firmly by what they believe to be right.
Since then, Bangladesh’s political history has witnessed many changes. Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury was arrested, tried, and eventually executed following a death sentence. Yet the shadows of that politically charged era continued to affect many people’s professional lives for years. Jasim Uddin was no exception.
During his student years at the University of Chittagong, he was involved in student politics through the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. However, after joining the police service, he dedicated himself to becoming a professional law enforcement officer. Nevertheless, many believe that he continued to face suspicion, misinformation, and subtle forms of discrimination for a long period.
A review of his career shows that wherever he was assigned, he carried out his duties with dedication and professionalism. Whether in maintaining law and order, combating crime, or strengthening relationships with the public, he consistently demonstrated his capabilities.
Before a national election, he was serving as Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chandgaon Police Station. Following allegations raised by a candidate from a political party, he was suddenly withdrawn from his post and attached to the Police Lines.
The decision surprised many observers.
Those who knew him personally believed there was a significant gap between the allegations and reality. As time passed, that became increasingly evident.
Then-Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz carefully reviewed the matter. He recognized that a capable and professional officer had been unfairly drawn into controversy. As a result, he transferred Jasim Uddin from the Police Lines to the Detective Branch (DB) of the city police.
This marked the first major administrative acknowledgment of confidence in his abilities.
Not only that, before leaving Chattogram, Hasib Aziz also expressed an interest in reappointing him as an Officer-in-Charge. However, Jasim Uddin declined the proposal at the time for personal reasons.
Later, he was appointed Officer-in-Charge of Pahartali Police Station.
His work in Pahartali earned widespread appreciation from the public. Alongside maintaining law and order, he demonstrated a strong commitment to community-oriented policing.
He subsequently served as OC of Bayezid Police Station, where he again performed his duties with distinction.
Then came another significant chapter.
After assuming office, the current Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Shawkat Ali, began reassessing officers based on their performance, experience, and overall career records.
He did not rely solely on paperwork and reports; he examined the broader trajectory of each officer’s professional life.
He realized that the allegations which had once led to Jasim Uddin’s removal from Chandgaon Police Station had not stood the test of time.
On the contrary, Jasim Uddin’s integrity, competence, and professionalism had been repeatedly proven through his service.
Consequently, Commissioner Shawkat Ali made a courageous and forward-looking decision.
He reappointed Mohammad Jasim Uddin as Officer-in-Charge of Chandgaon Police Station.
To some, this may appear to be merely another posting.
In reality, however, it carries a much deeper message.
It demonstrates that false accusations may temporarily hinder a person, but they cannot permanently suppress genuine merit.
It shows that honesty and dedication will eventually receive recognition.
And it sends a powerful signal that there are still leaders within the administration who value competence over prejudice.
Police Commissioner Shawkat Ali deserves recognition for this decision. One of the greatest strengths of any administrator is the ability to place the right person in the right position.
Today, as Jasim Uddin once again assumes responsibility for Chandgaon Police Station, this is about far more than a routine transfer.
It is recognition of a long struggle.
It is the triumph of truth over stigma.
It is the victory of merit over discrimination.
It is the story of the quiet yet dignified return of a professional police officer.
I believe that OC Mohammad Jasim Uddin, through his experience, integrity, and professional competence, will further strengthen Chandgaon Police Station and make it even more effective and people-oriented.
And Police Commissioner Shawkat Ali’s prudent decision will continue to serve as a positive message for officers within CMP: in the end, truth, integrity, and merit are always recognized and rewarded.