The government has appointed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shafiqul Islam as the new Additional Commissioner of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, filling a position that had remained vacant for more than four months. His appointment marks the end of a prolonged leadership gap in one of the country’s most vital policing units.

The DB chief’s post had been empty since April 12, when then-head Rezwanul Karim Mallik was removed without public explanation and later reassigned as DIG of Dhaka Range. Since then, the unit was being overseen on an interim basis by a joint commissioner-level officer.

With Shafiqul Islam’s appointment, DB once again has a permanent leader at its helm—someone with extensive field experience, international assignments, and a career that spans more than two decades in different branches of law enforcement.

Born in Sariakandi of Bogura, Shafiqul Islam studied at Rajshahi University, completing both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees before joining the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Police cadre through the 18th batch in 1999. His professional journey began as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Lakshmipur. Shortly afterward, he served as an Assistant Commissioner in Chattogram Metropolitan Police.

In 2002, he was transferred to Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch, where he spent nearly five years, gaining valuable insights into intelligence-led policing. His work in DB during this period would later become a foundation for his new leadership role.

Following his DB tenure, Shafiqul joined the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah as an Additional Superintendent of Police in the training wing. In June 2007, he was deployed to Liberia as part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, where he contributed to international law enforcement operations.

After returning to Bangladesh in 2010, he was posted in Chattogram as an Additional Superintendent of Police. His international exposure continued when he was again sent to Liberia for his second peacekeeping mission.

Shafiqul Islam was promoted to Superintendent of Police in 2013, and soon after, he took charge as Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police. A year later, he embarked on his third UN peacekeeping mission, this time in Ivory Coast. These assignments solidified his reputation as an officer adept at working in both domestic and global policing environments.

Upon his return, he served as Superintendent of Highway Police, followed by his assignment as Superintendent of River Police in 2019. His leadership in specialized units prepared him for higher responsibilities. In 2021, after receiving promotion to Additional DIG, he was entrusted with administrative and operational duties within the River Police. Later, he was promoted to DIG and assigned again to the Highway Police.

Colleagues describe him as a disciplined, experienced, and versatile officer with a strong record in both operational policing and administrative leadership. His time in DB earlier in his career, combined with multiple international missions, has given him a rare blend of local expertise and global policing perspective.

His appointment comes at a critical time for the Detective Branch, which handles some of the most sensitive and high-profile investigations in Bangladesh. DB is tasked with uncovering criminal networks, tracking organized crime, and providing intelligence to ensure law and order in Dhaka. Without a permanent head since April, the unit had been functioning under interim leadership, raising concerns about consistency and long-term strategy.

By appointing Shafiqul Islam, authorities signal a move to restore stability and direction to DB’s operations. Officials hope his extensive background in investigative policing, crisis management, and international exposure will help strengthen DB’s capacity to respond to the evolving security challenges of the capital.

As he assumes his new role, expectations are high among both his colleagues and the public. The Detective Branch remains at the center of critical law enforcement functions, from tackling organized crime to addressing emerging threats in the city. Shafiqul Islam now carries the responsibility of leading this elite unit with renewed energy and vision, ensuring that its work continues to safeguard Dhaka’s millions of residents.