Chief of Special Branch

Chief of Special Branch
বিশেষ শাখার প্রধান
since 16 March 2026
Special Branch
Member of
Reports to Prime Minister
Minister of Home Affairs
Inspector General of Police
SeatMalibagh, Dhaka
Appointer
Term lengthPrime Minister's pleasure
Formation16 December 1971 (16 December 1971)
Websitespecialbranch.gov.bd

The Chief of Special Branch (বিশেষ শাখার প্রধান) is the head of the Special Branch (SB), the primary intelligence and security agency of the Bangladesh Police. The position is held by an officer of the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police (Addl. IGP). The Chief reports directly to the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs, and is responsible for overseeing national intelligence operations, counter-intelligence, VIP security intelligence, immigration control, police verification services, and other critical functions that support Bangladesh's internal security and sovereignty.[1]

Role and responsibilities

The Chief of Special Branch directs the overall operations of the agency, which serves as a key member of the Bangladeshi intelligence community. Key responsibilities include:

  • Gathering and analyzing domestic and foreign intelligence to protect national sovereignty and public security.
  • Managing immigration control, foreigner registration, visa-on-arrival/extension processes, and police clearance/verification services.
  • Providing intelligence support for VIP (Key Personnel) *protection and counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Overseeing the handling of forcibly displaced refugees and related security matters.
  • Utilizing advanced technology and digital platforms for intelligence management and public services.

[2] The Chief also coordinates with other law enforcement agencies, including the CID, RAB, and military intelligence units.[3][4]

Appointment and tenure

The Chief is appointed by the Government of Bangladesh through a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs' Police-1 section. The officer typically holds the rank of Addl. IGP and serves at the pleasure of the government, with no fixed term. Appointments often occur during broader police reshuffles involving other key units like RAB and CID.[5][6][7]

List of office holders

A complete historical list is not publicly maintained in one source, but known recent holders include:

  • Sardar Nurul Amin (16 March 2026 – present)
  • Md. Golam Rasul (13 January 2025 – March 2026; promoted to Addl. IGP while serving)
  • Md. Shah Alam (August 2024 – October 2024; briefly after promotion to Addl. IGP)
  • Md. Monirul Islam (until August 2024)

Earlier known holders include Mohammad Javed Patwary (circa 2012) and Baharul Alam. [8][9][10]

See also

References

  1. ^ "DIG Golam Rasul becomes SB chief". BD Pratidin English. 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  2. ^ "এসবি প্রধান হলেন সরদার নুরুল আমিন" (in Bengali). The Daily Ittefaq. 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  3. ^ "Special Branch Official Website". Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  4. ^ "র‍্যাবের নতুন মহাপরিচালক আহসান হাবীব, সিআইডি প্রধান মোসলেহ উদ্দিন" (in Bengali). The Daily Star Bangla. 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  5. ^ "Major changes in top positions of police". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  6. ^ "Golam Rasul appointed as addl IGP of Special Branch". The Daily Star. 2025 (approx.). Retrieved 2026-03-17. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "Habib named RAB DG, Nurul SB chief, Mosleh to lead CID". Jago News 24. 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  8. ^ "Government appoints new chiefs for RAB, SB, CID". The Financial Express. 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  9. ^ "র‍্যাব-সিআইডি-এসবিতে নতুন প্রধান, পুলিশের শীর্ষ পদে রদবদল" (in Bengali). TBS News. 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  10. ^ "RAB, SB, CID get new chiefs as police top brass reshuffled". New Age. 2026-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-17.