Police chief Baharul shoots down resignation speculation

He is said to have expressed “desire to resign” at a meeting at Police HQ

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam has dismissed reports that he is preparing to resign, amid political transition following the general election.

Speaking to bdnews24.com on Sunday afternoon, Baharul said succinctly: “No, nothing like that has happened.”

Speculation about his future surfaced two days after the election, as preparations began for the installation of a new BNP-led government.

Baharul, a retired officer, was appointed inspector general of police for a two-year term on Nov 20, 2024.

However, a senior official said the police chief had earlier expressed a “desire to resign” during an internal meeting at Police Headquarters on Sunday, prompting the rumours.

The official said, “In the meeting, [Baharul] said, ‘I will not stay any longer. I don’t feel like staying; I will leave.’”

Amid the speculation, rumours also spread that the IGP had submitted his resignation letter to the home ministry, which could not be confirmed.

On Aug 5, 2024, as the Awami League-led government fell amid a mass uprising, then IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun went into hiding.

At midnight the next day, Md Mainul Islam assumed charge as the new police chief.

After facing criticism over the country’s law and order situation, Mainul was removed within three months, on Nov 20.

On the same day, the interim government appointed the retired Baharul on a two-year contract as the head of the force.