Sylhet DC Sarwoer Alam withdrawn amid shrine controversy

In August 2025, amid widespread criticism of the district administration's inaction over the stone-looting incident at the Sadapathar tourist site in Sylhet, then Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad was withdrawn.

Md Sarwoer Alam was subsequently appointed as Sylhet's new Deputy Commissioner. However, just 10 months into his tenure, Sarwoer Alam has now been abruptly withdrawn.

The decision comes amid intense public discussion following his recent move to seal donation boxes at the Hazrat Shahjalal (R) shrine in Hazrat Shahjalal (R) Shrine to ensure greater transparency in income and expenditure.

Public interest order cites decision

The public administration ministry issued a notification today (21 June) stating that Sarwoer Alam has been withdrawn from the post of Sylhet deputy commissioner in the "public interest" and attached to the ministry as deputy secretary.

Sarwoer, previously known for his role as a magistrate in RAB, had gained attention for early enforcement drives in Sylhet, including eviction of street vendors, action against black market train ticket sales, and measures against brokers at Osmani Medical College Hospital.

However, several initiatives later drew criticism for lacking sustained implementation, including progress on land acquisition for the Sylhet–Dhaka highway and delays in publishing the investigation report on the Sadapathar stone-looting case.

The most recent controversy centred on his decision to lock the centuries-old donation pots at the shrine and place them under district administration control, installing new boxes linked to a waqf estate. Ansar members were deployed and CCTV cameras installed to monitor collections.

Sarwoer said the changes were introduced to ensure transparency and accountability, stressing that no government funds were involved and that all revenue would be used for shrine development.

However, shrine authorities and associated groups alleged the move disrupted long-standing religious practice and amounted to administrative control over traditional management systems.

The decision triggered strong reactions, including a joint statement from 67 prominent Sylheti citizens at home and abroad, while social media criticism intensified.

Shrine caretaker Mufti Raihan Uddin Munna described the intervention as reflecting an anti-shrine stance, further fueling controversy.

Debate sparks over timing, non-replacement 

Confirming the development, Sarwoer said he had been instructed to report to the ministry today.

His removal without the immediate appointment of a successor has triggered debate over whether the move is a routine administrative transfer or a punitive action, with critics pointing to a potential administrative vacuum.

Despite earlier praise for his aggressive governance style, Sarwoer's sudden withdrawal, without an announced replacement, has now raised broader questions about administrative stability and the reasoning behind the government's decision.