107 police officers to face dismissal

The government is set to dismiss more than 100 police officers over allegations of misconduct during the 11th and 12th parliamentary elections and the July-August 2024 student-led mass uprising, according to multiple officials at the Police Headquarters and the Home Ministry.

Officials said a final list of 107 officers, ranging from Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), has been prepared. The officers are accused of partisan conduct during the elections and of involvement in operations linked to violence during the July uprising. A formal notification is expected shortly.

According to officials, most of those on the list served as Superintendents of Police (SPs) in various districts or Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in metropolitan areas during the 11th parliamentary election on December 30, 2018.

They allegedly played key roles in undermining the electoral process and later oversaw operations during the July-August 2024 unrest.

Home Ministry sources said the dismissals are being processed under special presidential authority as part of the government’s ongoing administrative reforms.

The move follows the dismissal of three police officers on July 9-Mishu Biswas, Joyel Chakma and Mahmudul Hasan-after investigations reportedly found evidence linking them to the use of excessive force during the July uprising, as well as other alleged human rights violations.

Officials said a large number of the 107 officers have been absent from duty since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, and are officially recorded as absconding.

Many are facing criminal cases, including allegations of murder, enforced disappearance, torture and offences under the Explosives Act, filed with the International Crimes Tribunal and police stations across the country.

A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards officers accused of abusing their authority during the elections and the student movement.

The official claimed that those on the list had been identified in ministry records as having played significant operational roles during the disputed elections and the July violence.

The list reportedly includes officers from the 18th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 24th BCS police cadres, with 106 serving as SPs and one as an Additional SP at the relevant time.

The latest action follows a series of compulsory retirements. On July 5, the government retired 33 police officers, including 14 DIGs, 18 Additional DIGs and one SP, citing provisions that allow compulsory retirement after 25 years of service.

Earlier, 17 senior officers were retired on May 3, while 13 others, including 11 DIGs and two Additional DIGs, were retired on April 22.
Several senior officers have also been named in ongoing investigations.

Former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar and former Detective Branch chief Harun Or Rashid are accused in cases linked to alleged secret detention facilities and other abuses. Both reportedly left the country after August 5.

Former Additional DIG Prolay Kumar Jowarder has also been named in investigations relating to the July unrest. Former Cox’s Bazar SP A.B.M. Masud Hossain faces allegations connected to both the student movement and the killing of Major (Retd.) Sinha Mohammad Rashed.

Other officers named in various investigations include Golam Ruhani, Arifuzzaman, S.M. Mehedi Hasan, K.M. Ehsanullah, Anisur Rahman and Zayedul Alam. Officials said 17 officers on the list have not yet been publicly identified.

Home Ministry Additional Secretary (Discipline) Kazi Saiful Islam said at least 82 cadre police officers have remained absconding since August 5, 2024. He said a final decision has been taken to dismiss them following due legal process. Of the 107 officers identified so far, three have already been dismissed, while the remaining dismissals will be carried out in phases.

Officials also said a separate list involving non-cadre inspectors and sub-inspectors accused of partisan conduct during the previous government is nearing completion and may lead to further disciplinary action.