Staff Reporter :
In a controversial move, Nazir Ahmed, a former Chhatra League (BCL) leader and police officer with a contentious history, has been appointed the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Cumilla district.
The appointment has raised eyebrows due to Nazir’s alleged involvement in a range of political and law enforcement misdeeds during his career. Despite his troubled past, which includes accusations of corruption and politically motivated violence, Nazir has managed to ascend to one of the highest positions in the police force.
Nazir Ahmed, who hails from Alfadanga in Faridpur district, has held various senior positions in the police force. He previously served as Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Logistics for Gazipur Metropolitan Police, Senior ASP in Bogra, and various roles within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, including ADC for Lalbagh and Wari Traffic.
His rise through the ranks has not been without controversy, with his political affiliations and alleged misconduct often cited as key factors in his career advancement.
His political connections trace back to his days as a prominent leader of the Dhaka University Chhatra League from 1995-2001, where he was known for his aggressive tactics against students opposing the Awami League.
Reports suggest that he played a key role in the violent suppression of student protests, including the infamous July Revolution, when he was accused of personally firing on students who were protesting against the ruling government.
Nazir’s tenure as a police officer has been marked by numerous allegations of corruption and abuse of power. During the 2014 general election, he was reportedly instrumental in suppressing opposition activities in Bogra, using his position to ensure that the election proceeded without significant opposition. Furthermore, his alleged involvement in the rigging of the 2018 elections, particularly in Dhaka’s Lalbagh area, has earned him notoriety.
In 2024, while serving as DC (DB) of Gazipur, Nazir was accused of playing a key role in the controversial “dummy elections” that took place in the area, which were widely criticized for their lack of transparency and fairness.
His actions during these elections have sparked outrage, with many claiming that he used his position to advance the interests of the ruling Awami League at the expense of democracy and fair governance.
Adding to the controversy surrounding Nazir is the allegation that his father, Abdul Gafur Khan, was a “fake” freedom fighter, casting doubt on his family’s credentials in the liberation struggle.
Nazir’s father is said to have had close ties with influential figures in the Awami League, including Asaduzzaman Mia, the former Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. This connection has led to speculation that Nazir’s rise within the police force was facilitated by political favoritism rather than merit.