Mohammad Zainul Bari has resigned as Chairman of the Shadharon Bima Corporation (SBC), citing personal reasons. He submitted his resignation letter to the Financial Institutions Division on Monday, 2 March, according to internal sources within the corporation. His departure comes well before the scheduled completion of his tenure, prompting discussion within financial and administrative circles about the future leadership of the state-owned insurer.
Bari assumed office on 12 September 2024, with his term originally set to conclude on 11 September 2027. His early resignation, nearly three years ahead of schedule, signals a notable transition for SBC at a time when the insurance sector is navigating regulatory reform, digital transformation, and increased competition.
Distinguished Civil Service Career
Mohammad Zainul Bari joined the Civil Service on 26 January 1991 as a member of the 9th batch. Beginning his career as an Assistant Commissioner (Land), he steadily rose through the administrative ranks, holding several influential positions across district and divisional levels.
A summary of his key appointments is provided below:
| Position | Institution / Location | Notable Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Commissioner (Land) | Various Upazilas | Land administration and revenue oversight |
| First-Class Magistrate | District Level | Judicial and executive magistracy |
| RDC & Upazila Executive Officer | Local Administration | Grassroots governance and development coordination |
| Additional District Commissioner | Narsingdi District | Administrative supervision |
| District Commissioner | Cox’s Bazar & Chittagong | Chief executive of district administration |
| Divisional Commissioner | Dhaka & Rangpur Divisions | Oversight of regional governance |
| Director General | Anti-Corruption Commission | Institutional leadership and enforcement supervision |
| Secretary | Ministry of Social Welfare | Policy formulation and social protection oversight |
| Retirement | Ministry of Planning | Concluded public service career |
His appointment as Secretary to the Ministry of Social Welfare on 1 January 2020 marked one of the high points of his civil service career. After retiring from government service in October 2025, he continued contributing to public institutions through leadership roles, including his tenure at SBC.
Academic and Personal Background
Born on 16 October 1962 in Sylhet District, Bari is the eldest son of the late teacher Rafiqul Bari and Anowara Begum. He completed his secondary education at Zafrabad High School and his higher secondary studies at MC College. He later earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the University of Dhaka. He subsequently obtained an advanced qualification in Public Policy and Management from Northern University.
Future Outlook for SBC
Industry observers believe that the appointment of a new chairman will be pivotal in determining SBC’s strategic direction. As the country’s principal state-owned general insurer, SBC plays a central role in underwriting public-sector risks and supporting national infrastructure projects. Leadership continuity and policy stability will therefore be essential in maintaining investor confidence and operational efficiency.
With more than three decades of public service, Zainul Bari leaves behind a substantial administrative legacy. His departure marks the end of a notable chapter for both SBC and the broader public financial sector.