The Government has officially annulled the remaining tenure of Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali as Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), a position he had held on a contractual basis. The announcement was made on Sunday, 1 March, through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration. Sources indicate that prior to the issuance of the official order, Sheikh Sajjat Ali had submitted his resignation, citing personal reasons.
According to the notification, Sheikh Sajjat Ali was appointed as DMP Commissioner on 20 November 2024 for a two-year contractual term. Following his formal request, the government terminated the remainder of his contract, effectively concluding his responsibilities as the city’s top police officer.
The DMP is one of the country’s most critical law enforcement agencies, tasked with ensuring public safety, managing traffic, curbing crime, and conducting intelligence operations across the capital and surrounding metropolitan areas. With Dhaka’s population exceeding 20 million, leadership at the commissioner level is pivotal, and any change in this role directly affects administrative efficiency and operational continuity.
Sheikh Sajjat Ali’s appointment was contractual, typically granted post-retirement or for specific administrative requirements. The interim government had entrusted him with the role in November 2024, with his term originally scheduled to end on 19 November 2026. However, his resignation and the subsequent cancellation of the appointment concluded the tenure well before the original expiry date.
Key Details of the Appointment
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | DMP Commissioner |
| Officer | Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali |
| Appointment Type | Contractual |
| Appointment Date | 20 November 2024 |
| Contract Duration | 2 years |
| Original End Date | 19 November 2026 |
| Cancellation Date | 1 March 2026 |
| Reason for Cancellation | Personal request by the officer |
Changes at senior levels of police administration are typically coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration. Such decisions may be influenced by administrative restructuring, policy adjustments, or personal circumstances. While the official notification cites only the officer’s request, analysts suggest that the city’s law and order situation, ongoing administrative reforms, and the government’s strategic priorities may also have factored into the decision.
At present, the government has not announced who will succeed Sheikh Sajjat Ali as DMP Commissioner. Observers anticipate that a new appointment will be made soon to ensure continuity in leadership and to maintain operational stability in the capital’s police administration.
Sheikh Sajjat Ali’s early departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the DMP’s leadership, opening the way for a new era. The effectiveness of the incoming commissioner in maintaining law and order in Dhaka will be closely watched.