Md. Ahsan Habib Palash
Md. Ahsan Habib Palash | |
|---|---|
| মো. আহসান হাবীব পলাশ | |
| 13th Director General of Rapid Action Battalion | |
| Assumed office 16 March 2026 | |
| President | Mohammed Shahabuddin |
| Prime Minister | Tarique Rahman |
| Preceded by | AKM Shahidur Rahman |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | Bangladesh Police Academy |
| Known for | Director General - Rapid Action Battalion |
| Awards | Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-Seba) |
| Police career | |
| Unit | |
| Allegiance | Bangladesh |
| Department | Chattogram Metropolitan Police |
| Branch | Bangladesh Police |
| Rank | Addl. IGP |
Md. Ahsan Habib Palash (Bengali: মো. আহসান হাবীব পলাশ) is a senior Bangladeshi police officer. He has served as the Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) since 16 March 2026.[1]
A member of the 15th BCS (Police) cadre, Palash previously held the position of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Chattogram Range. He was promoted to the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police (Additional IGP) concurrent with his appointment to lead RAB.[2]
He is known for his administrative efficiency, commitment to law enforcement, and personal interest in literature and culture, often described as a book-loving officer who advocates for promoting reading habits among youth..[3]
Early life and education
Limited public information is available regarding Palash's early life or family background. He belongs to the 15th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Police cadre, having joined the police service through the competitive BCS examination around the mid-1990s.observerbd.com
During his BCS oral examination, his name similarity to the renowned Bengali litterateur Ahsan Habib reportedly came up in discussion. This early encounter with literary references foreshadowed his later personal affinity for books.bhorerawaj.com
Career
Palash has held several key positions in the Bangladesh Police over his career. He served as Superintendent of Police (SP) at the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) in Dhaka. He also worked as Additional (Deputy) Commissioner in the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP).cvoice24.com
He was promoted to the rank of DIG in August 2024 and was posted as DIG of the Chattogram Range in September 2024. In this role, he oversaw law enforcement operations across multiple districts, including joint forces actions in areas such as Sitakunda and public events like master parades in Khagrachari. He earned a reputation for honesty, courage, and dedication to public service, with local media noting his efforts to strengthen police-community relations and combat crime. dailyamarsongram.com dhakatribune.com
Palash has also been active in police welfare organizations. At one point, he served as acting president of the Bangladesh Police Service Association, general secretary of the 15th BCS Forum, and convener of the 15th BCS (Police) batch. He is a member of the Officers' Club Dhaka and Khulna Club.m.facebook.com
He has received the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-Seba) for service.facebook.com
Appointment as RAB Director General
On 16 March 2026, the Government of Bangladesh, through a gazette notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, appointed Palash as Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). He succeeded A K M Shahidur Rahman. The appointment took immediate effect and was part of a broader reshuffle in top police leadership following the national elections.[4]
Concurrent with the posting, he was elevated to Additional IGP rank. The move was described as being in the public interest. Other simultaneous changes included new chiefs for the Special Branch (SB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).[5]
Bangla-language sources such as Jugantor, Ittefaq, and Bangladesh Pratidin confirmed the appointment, highlighting his prior experience in Chattogram as qualifying him for the high-profile role.[6]
Personal life
Beyond his professional duties, Palash is noted for his deep love of books and literature. He frequently attends book fairs as a special guest and promotes reading culture, criticizing the youth's growing addiction to mobile phones while praising nations like Russia for preserving book-reading habits. He considers books the most valuable gift and has urged making book fairs more vibrant to attract younger generations..[7]
In a 2025 profile, he was portrayed as a meritorious officer who balances demanding administrative responsibilities with genuine interest in society, education, and culture. He remains committed to intellectual pursuits even amid police service demands.[8]
Awards and recognition
Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-Seba) for outstanding service. == See also co
- Rapid Action Battalion
- Bangladesh Police
- Chattogram Range Police
References
- ^ "র্যাবের ডিজি হলেন হাবীব, এসবিপ্রধান নুরুল আমিন, সিআইডিপ্রধান মোসলেহ" (in Bengali). Jagonews24. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Haseeb Aziz joins as CMP commissioner, Ahsan Habib Palash DIG Ctg range". The Business Standard. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Officials are adjusting duties based on political loyalties, says DIG Palash". The Financial Express. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "জনাব মোঃ আহসান হাবীব পলাশ, বিপিএম-সেবা..." Khagrachari District Police (Facebook). 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Govt reshuffles top posts in Bangladesh Police". The Daily Star. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Ahsan Habib made new DG of RAB". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). 16 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Major reshuffle in police, RAB top posts". Prothom Alo. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "র্যাবের নতুন মহাপরিচালক হলেন আহসান হাবীব পলাশ" (in Bengali). Jugantor. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.