In the wake of widespread unrest and violence during the July-August 2024 protests, which claimed the lives of at least 44 police officers in targeted attacks and mob violence, the appointment of a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) presents a critical opportunity to restore the rule of law.
These riots, sparked by student-led quota reform demands, escalated into nationwide chaos, resulting in extrajudicial killings, mob terrorism, and a breakdown in public order. With police stations overrun and officers lynched in retaliation for earlier crackdowns, ensuring accountability for these murders is paramount to rebuilding trust in law enforcement and preventing further cycles of vengeance.
The new IGP must prioritise impartial investigations, prosecute perpetrators, and implement reforms to safeguard officers while upholding human rights, marking a pivotal step toward national healing and stability, said senior journalist and founder chairperson of Write For Rights, a global network focused on citizen-led justice and documentation.
Ali Hossain Fakir Assumes Charge
Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, the newly appointed IGP, was pinned with his rank badge by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. This took place during a brief ceremony at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
This information was published on the prime minister’s official Facebook page.
On Wednesday, Ali Hossain Fakir took over as the IGP. On the same day, Baharul Alam, who had been serving as IGP, formally bid farewell. A ceremony for Baharul Alam’s farewell and the welcoming of Ali Hossain was organised on Wednesday afternoon at the Hall of Pride in the Police Headquarters.
Ali Hossain was appointed as IGP on Tuesday. Prior to this, he was serving as Additional IGP of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn).
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The ceremony at Police Headquarters was attended by Additional IGPs, heads of various police units in Dhaka, and senior police officers from different levels. They reminisced about various aspects of the outgoing IGP’s illustrious career and wished him good health, long life, and a prosperous future.
During the event, speakers welcomed the newly appointed IGP Ali Hossain, describing him as a professional officer. They expressed that under Ali Hossain’s leadership, the prestige and image of Bangladesh Police would reach unprecedented heights.
Baharul Alam expressed sincere gratitude and thanks to the police officers and members for their wholehearted cooperation during his tenure. Describing Ali Hossain Fakir as a skilled and professional officer, he said the newly appointed IGP would be capable of brightening the image of Bangladesh Police.
The newly appointed IGP Ali Hossain sought everyone’s cooperation in performing his duties. He said: “We will strive for the country’s development and maintenance of law and order.”
Ali Hossain is a member of the 15th BCS (Police) cadre. His home is in Bagerhat. Baharul Alam was appointed on a contractual basis as IGP for two years by the interim government on November 20, 2024. With about nine months left in his term as per the contract, a new IGP has been appointed.
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In August 2024, after Jamaat and the army seized power, Yunus appointed retired Baharul as police chief. Since then, the police force has engaged in mob terrorism, arrests, and case trading across the country.
Guard Of Honour
Upon arriving at Police Headquarters in the morning, a well-decorated police contingent presented the IGP with a Guard of Honour.
This information was provided in a press release sent from the Police Headquarters on Wednesday.
The release further mentions that Ali Hossain Fakir represented Bangladesh Police in UN peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Ivory Coast. He has visited various countries, including the United States and China, for official duties and training.
After completing his duties in the UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast, he was attached to the Rajshahi Range DIG office in January 2013. Thereafter, he was not given any important responsibilities or promotions. In 2022, the then Awami League government sent him on forced retirement.
After the fall of the Awami League government, many police officers who had been โvictims of deprivationโ over the past 15 years were brought back into the force. After returning to the police as an SP, Ali Hossain Fakir was promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG). He then served as DIG at Police Headquarters and Special Protection Battalion (SPBn). Most recently, he was serving as Additional IGP in APBn.
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Ali Hossain Fakir was born on April 5, 1968, in Bagerhat Sadar Thana. He obtained his bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA degrees in Management from Dhaka University.
Ali Hossain Fakir is the acting president of the Bangladesh Police Service Association. Additionally, he is the general secretary of the 15th BCS Forum, convener of the 15th BCS (Police) batch, and a member of Officers Club Dhaka and Khulna Club, among other social and cultural organizations.
Ali Hossain Fakir’s spouse, Professor Nasima Ferdousi, is serving as the head of the Finance Department at Government Titumir College. They have one son and one daughter.
Ali Hossain Fakir succeeded IGP Baharul Alam. Baharul Alam was appointed on a contractual basis as IGP for two years by the interim government on November 20, 2024. With about nine months left in his term as per the contract, the government canceled his contractual appointment on Tuesday following his application.
Restoring Rule Of Law
As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of the July-August 2024 riots, which saw at least 44 police officers brutally killed in mob attacksโ including 13 at Enayetpur police station in Sirajganj and others across districts like Dhaka, Comilla, and Sirajganjโthe new IGP’s tenure must urgently focus on restoring the rule of law.
These murders highlighted a severe breakdown in security, with police stations torched and officers lynched. Amid allegations of excesses, mob terrorism and arbitrary arrests under the interim administration, when the police killers were given impunity, Ali Hossain must lead impartial probes to hold perpetrators accountable, protect serving officers, and rebuild public confidence. Only through transparent justice for these fallen police personnel can the force move toward reconciliation, prevent impunity, and ensure a stable, law-abiding society.
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