Imtiaz Ahmed, Narayanganj 

Since taking office on January 14 this year, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia has emerged as a dynamic and visionary Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Narayanganj.

 In just six months, his leadership has already begun to reshape the city—visibly greener, more organized, and with a renewed focus on civic service. 

Marking six months in office, the DC hosted a ‘Meet the Press’ event at the Narayanganj DC Conference Room on Tuesday. 

But what was intended as a typical media briefing quickly evolved into a rare and reflective gathering, highlighting not just government plans but also ethical questions about journalism and public service.

 DC presented a sweeping list of initiatives completed, ongoing, and upcoming—each aimed at transforming Narayanganj into a more livable, modern city. Under his "Green and Clean Narayanganj" campaign, over 100,000 trees have been planted. Improvements in infrastructure, digital services, and healthcare have followed suit.

 Among the highlights: Transport & Infrastructure: Eight new commuter trains launched; two rail crossings repaired. Civic Amenities: Restoration of Mir Jumla Road after four decades; construction of a new Eidgah and the modernization of the Circuit House fountain. Healthcare Boost: A NICU has been set up at Victoria Hospital, while Khanpur 300-bed hospital saw upgrades including emergency unit renovation, dengue kits, and wheelchair distribution.

Cleanliness Drive:125 truckloads of garbage and illegal banners cleared; Hajiganj fort cleaned. Safety & Regulation: CCTV installed at Chashara intersection; price control enforced via truck sales; "No Helmet, No Fuel" initiative at petrol stations. Digital Access: Launch of ‘My Gov Platform’ to streamline citizen services. Education & Literacy:  Seminars on humane education, distribution of school bags, shoes, and sporting goods; 59 categories of books donated to 20 libraries.

 The most striking moment came when Abu Saud Masud, president of Narayanganj Press Club and senior reporter at *Dainik Amar Desh*, took the floor. His address was less about news and more about introspection.

 “Our profession demands respect. But before seeking it, we must learn to respect ourselves,” he said. “Too often, we wake up looking for scandals. But if we begin our day with God’s name, maybe our pens will strike a better balance—maybe even some positivity.”

He questioned the prevalent negativity in the press: “We claim to be society’s mirror, but what if that mirror is covered in dust?” His remarks resonated strongly with attending journalists, who nodded in agreement and reaffirmed the need for mutual professional ethics.

 In response, DC  endorsed the call. “I fully agree. Journalists should not only ask questions but also shoulder their responsibility to the public. I want the administration and the media to work side by side—to truly serve the people.” The tone of the session shifted from briefing to dialogue—a refreshing atmosphere of mutual accountability and constructive criticism.

 General Secretary of Narayanganj Press Club, Afzal Hossain Ponty, applauded the DC’s willingness to face public scrutiny. “Hosting a ‘Meet the Press’ within six months of service—that’s courage. But our biggest problem remains: traffic congestion. It’s the cancer of this city. Chashara intersection must be decongested.”

 Senior photojournalist Habibur Rahman Shyamal added, “The situation is so bad that rickshaws now use the footpath.” The DC acknowledged the concern: “We’ve already coordinated a joint traffic reform plan with Roads and Highways, municipality, and police. A new parking and rickshaw zoning policy is in development. Trial runs will begin soon.”

 What’s Next: Tourism, Waterways, and Urban Order Looking ahead, the DC unveiled a host of upcoming projects: Tourism & Recreation: ‘Gate of Dandy’ monument at city entrance; modernization of DC Park; new gallery at Osman Ali Stadium. Water Management: Revitalization of Pankhiraj Canal; 17 km of canal recovery already underway to fight waterlogging. Health Services: Expansion of Khanpur hospital with a 10-bed ICU. Urban Transport Reform: Eight congestion-prone points identified; color-coded zoning for auto-rickshaws planned.Transport Discipline: Driver/helper database and mandatory uniforms and ID cards to bring order to the sector.

Education & Worship: New mosque and collectorate school buildings under construction.

Tuesday’s event was more than a presentation—it was a rare convergence of governance and journalism that sparked self-reflection, civil discourse, and optimism. AsNarayanganj steps into a new era of accountability and action, all eyes will remain on whether these bold promises translate into sustainable change.