Police Demands Reinstatement of 2,200 Dismissed Officers

The “Victim Police Family” has demanded the reinstatement of 2,200 police officers who were dismissed during the previous government’s tenure. The organization also rejected a report that claimed 1,522 officers were reinstated, labeling the news as false. The demands were raised during a press conference at the Maulana Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club on Tuesday (February 11).

The dismissed officers accused the 16 years of autocratic rule for severely damaging various state institutions, including the Bangladesh Police. They claim that during this period, nearly 2,200 officers were unjustly dismissed, leading to a sense of insecurity within the police force.

They also alleged that certain senior police officers fabricated false and baseless cases to maintain control over the force. Despite a lack of proper evidence during one-sided investigations, these officers were not reinstated, the dismissed personnel said.

Additionally, the former officers accused the authorities of conducting drug tests without the Ministry of Health’s approval at unauthorized hospitals like Rajarbagh Police Hospital. Many officers, whose drug test results came out negative, were still dismissed. They also claimed that some officers were removed for failing to pay bribes, even though they had no criminal allegations against them.

The dismissed officers also alleged that many were terminated for expressing their opinions on social media. Some were reportedly framed in narcotics and arms cases by corrupt officials.

They further stated that Brigadier (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, former Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, had issued an order for the reinstatement of the dismissed officers on humanitarian grounds, but the order was not enforced. The officers said that some officials from the previous government obstructed the legal process, discouraging them from filing cases or forcing them into situations where they were threatened.

Under the PRB 884 regulations, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has the authority to take action regarding their reinstatement. However, no effective measures have been taken, they complained.

The dismissed officers urged the current government to reinstate them with full benefits and remove the remnants of the autocratic government within the force.

The press conference was attended by the coordinator of the "Victim Police Family" SI Mamun, SI Zakaria, spokesperson ASI Touhid Mondal, acting coordinator ASI Saiful, coordinator Constable Saddam Hossain, Constable Arafat, and others.