Highlights

• Proposal covers three DIGs and 12 additional DIGs
• Allegations include election irregularities, repression and corruption
• Gazette notification may be issued within days

The government has initiated the process of compulsorily retiring 17 more senior police officers over allegations of political loyalty to the activities-banned Awami League, involvement in irregularities during the 2014 and 2018 national elections, repression of opposition leaders and activists, and corruption, according to sources.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has sent a proposal to the Prime Minister's Office seeking approval for the move. A gazette notification may be issued at any time over the next couple of days, said the sources.

At least two officers on the proposed list also confirmed the development to The Business Standard today (22 July).

"If this is the government's decision, there is nothing we can do," one of them said.

According to government documents, the officers joined the police cadre on 31 May 2001. The list includes three deputy inspectors general (DIGs), 12 additional DIGs, one superintendent of police (SP), and one deputy commissioner of police.

The documents allege that several officers secured promotions and key postings during the Awami League government's tenure through political influence and affiliations. 

They are also accused of assisting in irregularities during the 2014 and 2018 national elections and of involvement in the arrest, harassment, enforced disappearance, and extrajudicial killings of opposition leaders and activists.

The documents further contain allegations against three female officers over their conduct towards former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

According to the allegations, Rebecca Sultana and Jesmin Begum were involved in Khaleda Zia's eviction from her Cantonment residence. 

Also, Farida Yasmin is accused of playing a role in suppressing the opposition while performing official duties during Khaleda Zia's transfer from court to prison in 2018.

The documents also accuse several officers of leaking confidential information, conducting illegal telephone surveillance, financial corruption, abuse of power, and professional misconduct.

Former Cox's Bazar superintendent of police, now Additional DIG, AKM Iqbal Hossain has also been accused of involvement in yaba trafficking, according to the documents.

The proposed list includes DIGs Mohammad Abdullahil Baki, Walid Hossain, and Sana Shaminur Rahman.

The Additional DIGs are Mohammad Tabarak Ullah, Mohammad Sarowar Hossain, Bidhan Tripura, Saheli Ferdous, Faisal Mahmud, Hasina Rahman, Kaniz Fatema, and Sultana Nazma Hossain. The proposal also includes Superintendent of Police Abdur Rahim Shah Chowdhury and Deputy Commissioner Habibur Rahman.

Earlier, the government compulsorily retired 33 senior police officers under the same provision.

On 3 May, the government compulsorily retired 17 officers holding the ranks of DIG and additional DIG in the Bangladesh Police.

Earlier, on 22 April, 13 senior officers - including 11 DIGs and two additional DIGs serving in different police units and departments - were also sent on compulsory retirement.