IGP Submits Resignation to Ministry

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has formally tendered his resignation to the Ministry of Home Affairs, bringing fresh uncertainty to the leadership of the country’s police force. As of Sunday afternoon, however, there was no official confirmation that the resignation had been accepted.

Mr Alam, who has been serving under a two-year contractual appointment, chaired a regular meeting at Police Headquarters on Sunday morning. The session focused primarily on security preparations for International Mother Language Day, observed annually on 21 February. During the meeting, he informed senior officers of his intention to step down. Those present reportedly urged him to reconsider his decision, though no final position was announced at that time.

Later in the afternoon, he formally submitted his resignation letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs. A ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the letter had been received but stated that there had been no decision regarding its acceptance. “He may submit his resignation, but until it is formally accepted, he remains in office,” the official said, noting that such decisions rest with the highest levels of government.

Background to the Appointment

Mr Alam was appointed Inspector General of Police on 21 November 2024, following a series of administrative reshuffles after the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024. Notably, he had previously retired from the police service in 2020 before being brought back under a contractual arrangement by the interim administration.

His contract was due to run until 20 November this year, making his resignation several months premature.

Earlier in January, Mr Alam surrendered his official passport and applied for a regular passport—an unusual step for a serving IGP, which had already fuelled speculation about his future intentions.

Several senior police officers indicated that he had been privately signalling his desire to relinquish the post shortly after assuming office. Sunday’s formal submission appears to have confirmed those earlier indications.

Political Timing

The timing of the resignation is particularly sensitive. A new government is scheduled to take office on Tuesday. According to ministry sources, there is currently little appetite to accept the resignation immediately. Instead, Mr Alam has reportedly been advised to submit his letter to the incoming administration once it is formally sworn in.

Observers suggest that the decision on whether to accept his resignation will depend on broader political considerations, including the new government’s approach to law enforcement leadership. Until a formal decision is taken, Mr Alam will continue to serve as Inspector General.

The coming days are therefore likely to prove decisive—not only for Mr Alam’s personal future, but also for the continuity and stability of the country’s policing leadership during a period of political transition.