The leadership of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has entered a transitional phase, with Additional Police Commissioner (Supernumerary Additional Inspector General) Md Sarwar taking over as acting Police Commissioner. He will serve in this capacity until a permanent appointment is made and a new commissioner formally assumes office.
The announcement was made on Thursday, 26 February, through an official notification signed by Shamima Yasmin Khandakar, Additional Deputy Inspector General (Personnel Management-1). The directive specifies that Sarwar will oversee all operational, administrative, and strategic functions of the capital’s police force during the interim period.
Table of Contents
Resignation of Former Commissioner
The post became vacant following the sudden resignation of former DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on 25 February. He cited “personal and family reasons” for stepping down, despite his contractual tenure being valid until November this year.
Sajjat Ali’s career has been marked by significant ups and downs. A member of the 1984 Bangladesh Civil Service (Police) cadre, he previously served as an Additional Inspector General at Police Headquarters. However, in November 2016, during the tenure of the Awami League government, he was dismissed from service. Following a political transition, the interim government reinstated him retrospectively. On 20 November 2024, he was appointed as the 38th Police Commissioner of DMP on a two-year contractual basis, highlighting a rare return to senior leadership.
Md Sarwar’s Policing Experience
Md Sarwar brings extensive experience to his interim role. On 7 January last year, he was transferred from the Special Branch (SB) to serve as Additional Police Commissioner of DMP. He was later assigned as head of the Traffic Division, one of the most challenging units in the capital.
During his tenure, Sarwar introduced several measures to reduce Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion, including stricter enforcement, rationalisation of traffic routes, and gradual incorporation of technology-based monitoring systems. These initiatives earned him a reputation as an effective and proactive administrator. He was promoted to the rank of Additional Inspector General on 11 August, reflecting institutional confidence in his leadership abilities.
Key Details of the Two Officers
| Aspect | Md Sarwar | Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Acting DMP Commissioner | Resigned |
| Cadre | Bangladesh Police | Bangladesh Police |
| Batch | Not specified | 1984 |
| Recent Role | Traffic Division Chief, DMP | 38th DMP Commissioner |
| Notable Contribution | Traffic management reforms | Reinstatement and contractual leadership |
| Career Highlight | Promoted to Additional IGP (Aug) | Reappointed after dismissal |
Ensuring Administrative Continuity
Observers suggest that Sarwar’s interim leadership will help maintain continuity within the DMP during a critical period. With Dhaka facing challenges such as heavy traffic, urban crime, and rapid population growth, administrative stability is essential for effective policing.
While the government has yet to announce a permanent successor, Sarwar’s experience and track record indicate that the capital’s policing apparatus will remain functional and responsive throughout this transitional phase.