A conscientious functionary

The hard-driving magistrate with his credentials for good work at the Chittagong port was quickly posted to the department of shipping in Dhaka as a marine safety officer. At the Sadarghat terminal, he fined 650 launches and cargo vessels for foul-play, netting Tk 40 lakh to the government exchequer. In the process, he invited wrath from influential people. Ministers, political high-ups and leaders of launch owners associations were annoyed. Munir was unceremoniously withdrawn from terminal duties and kept in a limbo at the shipping ministry before being sent back to Chittagong port. Just a week into his new assignment as special magistrate in the port area, he received an ultimatum from the "repressed people of Chittagong port" to leave the place in a month or face dire consequences.

Little wonder, he has such enemies in Chittagong. In his previous stint, he was instrumental in removing about 300 establishments from 46 acres of illegally occupied port land, not to speak of taking action against 1500 unregistered vessels plying the port channel.

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Magistrate Munir has given us an opportunity to revive an old demand we have cried our hearts out on: 'reward good work and punish wrong-doing'. Let's begin with Munir who more than deserves a reward for his highly conscientious performance of his duties. The likes of him are a rarity these days and cannot go unrecognised as such. At the moment, what he needs most is encouragement which can be best ensured by providing protection for his physical safety and smooth performance of his duties. It is heartening to know that chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority Shahadat Hossain has moved with the authorities to have police personnel deployed at the magistrate's office and residence. It is mind-lifting also to note that Munir remains undeterred by the threats, as he told The Daily Star with characteristic fortitude.