Dhaka: Sheikh Md. Sazzad Ali, the Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), stepped down from his position on Wednesday, 25 February, citing personal and family reasons. At 11:30 a.m., he formally signed his resignation letter, which was subsequently accepted by the police headquarters.
Sheikh Sazzad Ali was appointed as DMP Commissioner on 21 November 2024 by the interim government. His appointment came amid significant student protests and social unrest in the country, and he was entrusted with the task of reorganising and strengthening the city’s police force to restore public confidence.
Although his regular tenure had concluded, he continued in the role on a two-year contract. Prior to his appointment as commissioner, he served as the Additional Inspector General of Police (Additional IGP). A senior officer of the 1984 batch of the BCS Police Cadre, Sheikh Sazzad Ali has had a career spanning over 40 years, during which he held numerous key positions and made notable contributions to national security and law enforcement.
Throughout his service, he played a pivotal role in community policing initiatives, urban security planning, and counter-terrorism operations. His leadership was instrumental in modernising police strategies and enhancing coordination across departments.
The table below summarises the highlights of his distinguished career:
| Position | Tenure | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Additional IGP | 2021 – 2024 | Coordinated national security, crime prevention, and urban safety |
| DMP Commissioner | 21 Nov 2024 – 25 Feb 2026 | Reorganisation of DMP, security planning, and maintenance of public order |
Police officials noted that while Sheikh Sazzad Ali’s resignation is officially due to family reasons, his departure may create a leadership gap that poses challenges for the police in the near term. Plans are already underway to appoint a successor within the coming days.
Security analysts emphasise that swift appointment of a new commissioner is essential to maintain law and order in Dhaka, ensuring the safety of the public. According to internal sources, the organisational reforms initiated by Sheikh Sazzad Ali will continue to be monitored and coordinated for at least six months under transitional leadership.
His resignation marks a significant moment in the top echelon of the city police, potentially bringing new momentum and administrative dynamism to Dhaka’s policing framework. Balancing personal and professional responsibilities, Sheikh Sazzad Ali has concluded his tenure, leaving behind a legacy of long-term service and institutional reforms in the country’s police force.