1/11-era ex-DIG prisons Shamsul Haider poised for return to department

Former deputy inspector general of prisons (DIG Prisons) Major (retd) Shamsul Haider Siddiqui, who came into prominence during the 1/11 period, is set to return to the prisons department, although his exact role has yet to be finalised.

According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the government is currently considering appointing him as an adviser to the prisons department. If approved, it would be the first such appointment in the history of the department. Shamsul was also the first person to join the prisons department from the army at the rank of DIG.

Speaking to The Business Standard (TBS) by phone this morning (21 August), Shamsul said the police chief had contacted him and told him that they would hold a meeting after a government-level discussion on Sunday (23 August). 

He said no specific position or responsibility had been discussed yet.

“I have been asked to wait until the discussion takes place. Then I will understand the details. If the government assigns me a responsibility, I will try to fulfil it,” he said.

He requested that no specific position be mentioned in reports until the appointment is officially confirmed.

Earlier, discussions had centred on appointing Shamsul on a contractual basis as inspector general of prisons.

However, sources said the proposal to appoint him as an adviser is now gaining momentum.

If everything proceeds as planned, a government notification regarding his appointment could be issued early next week, the sources said.

The post of inspector general of prisons has traditionally been filled by officers of the rank of brigadier general from the army on deputation. Brigadier General Syed Motahar Hossain, who had served as IG Prisons since the interim government period, was recently recalled to the army.

Following his recall, discussions began at various levels over the appointment of a new IG Prisons. Shamsul’s name subsequently emerged as a possible candidate. 

His direct appointment as inspector general was also reportedly reviewed in terms of the existing administrative and legal framework.

Sources in the home ministry and relevant government policy-making circles said the government wants to utilise the experience of a skilled and humane officer in a sensitive department such as the prisons service. Shamsul’s long experience in prison administration was considered in deciding to bring him back in an advisory capacity.

Sources also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had contacted Shamsul before assuming office and expressed an interest in working with him. 
Officials involved in administrative and intelligence matters have since been preparing the necessary documents to bring him into a key role, according to the sources.

1/11 period

Shamsul came into the spotlight while serving in the prisons department during the 1/11 period. At the time, he was responsible for prison management when former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, along with other political detainees, were held in sub-jails.

He was later transferred from Dhaka division in 2009 during the Awami League government over allegations of violating the jail code, according to sources familiar with the matter.

After retiring from the prisons department, Shamsul held positions in several organisations. He served at government-owned Building Trades and, in 2022, worked as general manager of the BM Container Depot in Sitakunda.