Senior Police Shake-up on Eve of National Elections

In a significant administrative move just days before the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the immediate transfer and re-posting of four high-ranking police officials. The reshuffle, involving officers of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Superintendent of Police (SP) rank, was formalised through a gazette notification issued by the Police-1 branch of the ministry on Tuesday, 10 February.

The directive, sanctioned by the President of Bangladesh and signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Mahbubur Rahman, stipulates that the orders are issued in the “public interest” and are to be implemented with immediate effect.

Strategic Reassignments

The transfers involve a strategic rotation between the Police Headquarters, specialised units, and the nation’s premier training institution, the Bangladesh Police Academy (BPA) in Sardah, Rajshahi.

DIG Shamima Begum, previously stationed at the BPA, has been brought to the Police Directorate (Headquarters) in Dhaka. In a reciprocal move, DIG Basudeb Banik, who was serving at the Police Directorate, has been posted to the BPA in Sardah. Such high-level rotations between the central directorate and the training academy are often seen as part of a broader strategy to streamline administrative command during periods of national transition.

At the Superintendent level, SP Jannat Afroz, who recently returned to Bangladesh following a stint with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, has been assigned to the Railway Police. Meanwhile, SP Mohammad Ahaduzzaman Mia, formerly of the River Police (Nautical Police), has been integrated into the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the country’s most critical urban security command.

Summary of Official Police Transfers (February 2026)

Context and Timing

While the Ministry described the move as a routine administrative procedure, the timing—occurring less than 48 hours before the general election—has drawn attention from political observers. The placement of an experienced SP like Ahaduzzaman Mia into the DMP suggests a bolstering of the capital’s security apparatus ahead of what is expected to be a high-turnout polling day.

Furthermore, the return of SP Jannat Afroz to active domestic duty in the Railway Police highlights the administration’s focus on securing transport infrastructure, which often becomes a flashpoint during periods of heightened political activity. The ministry has clarified that these reassignments are vital for maintaining the efficiency and neutrality of the force as the nation heads to the polls.