Noted Magistrate Sarower Alam Appointed as Sylhet’s New Deputy Commissioner

Md. Sarower Alam has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Magistrate of Sylhet. He is currently serving as a Deputy Secretary (attached) in the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

The appointment was announced through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration’s Field Administration-2 Branch on Monday, August 18, 2025. The notification states that Sarower Alam, an officer of the BCS (Administration) cadre, has been transferred and appointed as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Sylhet.

Sarower Alam previously gained attention for his anti-corruption and anti-adulteration drives as a mobile court magistrate, as well as for his dedicated service. He confirmed his promotion to Deputy Secretary via a Facebook post, stating, “After being deprived three times, I have finally been promoted to Deputy Secretary today. Alhamdulillah. All praise to Almighty Allah, the best decision-maker.” In 2021, the government promoted 337 Senior Assistant Secretaries to Deputy Secretaries, but Sarower Alam, a 27th BCS Administration cadre officer, was overlooked. Having joined the civil service in November 2008 as part of the 27th BCS, he was promoted to Senior Assistant Secretary on June 1, 2014. Despite serving over 12 years in the administration cadre, including seven years as a Senior Assistant Secretary, he faced repeated promotion denials. In 2022, Sarower Alam, then a prominent Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Executive Magistrate, received a minor penalty for a Facebook post. Earlier, on June 30, 2021, a departmental case was filed against him, and he was asked to provide an explanation, which he did not submit in writing. His repeated exclusion from promotions was a widely discussed issue at the time. He noted that many government officials expressed disbelief and surprise at his exclusion, but it was the reality. On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Sarower Alam was among 117 officers promoted to Deputy Secretary, all of whom had been denied promotions during the tenure of the previous Awami League government. A 27th BCS officer, Sarower Alam graduated from the Zoology Department of Dhaka University. The eldest of six siblings, he is known for his integrity and competence. His tenure with RAB was marked by consistent recognition for his efficiency and dedication, prioritizing national and public interest over personal gain. Despite facing resistance from vested interests, he earned widespread public support. Sarower began his education in 1983 at Ismail Memorial Government Primary School near his home. In 1993, he passed his SSC with first division from Pakundia Pilot High School (now Pakundia Government High School) and enrolled at Kishoreganj Gurudayal Government College. In 1995, he secured first division in his HSC and later joined Dhaka University’s Zoology Department, earning a first-class Master’s degree in 2005. He joined the administration after passing the 27th BCS in 2008. In 2009, Sarower Alam married Sanjida Sharmin Linda from Chattogram, and they have four daughters: Mahrin Samara, Nazifa Safrin, Tanha, and Manha.