Unusual farewell request: Netrokona SP Saiyem Mahmud seeks to know his own failures

PNN News Desk, Netrokona:

On his last night before leaving, Netrokona Police Superintendent Mirza Saiyem Mahmud made an unusual request—not for praise, but to be informed of his shortcomings. On Thursday night, at a discussion meeting held in the district police conference room, he invited journalists, members of civil society, cultural figures, religious leaders, and political representatives to point out any mistakes he had made.

Many attendees were momentarily silent at his request. No one directly identified any fault; instead, speakers praised his honesty, impartiality, humanity, and dedication to duty. They noted that SP Saiyem Mahmud had maintained law and order in the district firmly while building public trust.

A leader of the District Puja Celebration Committee said, “He was strict in controlling weapons, drugs, and extortion, while also sincerely standing by the helpless.” Cultural figures and poets mentioned that he personally went to the scene during crises and was always ready to listen to public complaints even beyond office hours.

Amidst all the praise, SP Saiyem Mahmud acknowledged his own limitations. He said, “During my tenure, I could not solve several clueless murder cases, especially the child murder case, which remains partially unresolved despite some progress.”

He further stated, “Netrokona is a peaceful district. Though I could not solve every problem, I tried to deliver justice. I never chose time selectively to listen to citizens. I performed my duties with honest effort and integrity.”

Attendees said such self-critical behavior from a senior officer increased their respect for him.

Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and as part of administrative reshuffles, SP Mirza Saiyem Mahmud is set to take up a new post in Khagrachhari. Before leaving, he described the love of the people of Netrokona as his “greatest achievement.”