34 DIG posts vacant for six months, no headway from home ministry

At least 34 deputy inspector general (DIG) posts in Bangladesh Police have remained vacant for about six months, with no progress from the home ministry to fill the positions.

In May, the Police Headquarters sent a letter to the senior secretary of the home ministry, requesting that the vacancies be filled, according to an official document obtained by The Business Standard. 

The request, however, remains under consideration.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime, at least 81 police officers fled the country and did not return to duty, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam told The Business Standard last month.

After the July Uprising, several other officers — believed to be Awami League-leaning — were either dismissed or demoted.

On 29 May, Additional DIG (Headquarters) Khandaker Shamima Yeasmin wrote to home ministry's Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, reporting 29 vacant DIG posts at the time. Later, five more vacancies were added under the supernumerary category, bringing the total to 34.

When contacted, home ministry's Senior Information Officer Faisal Hasan declined to comment.

However, a ministry official said the promotions to the DIG posts are still awaiting approval from the Superior Selection Board (SSB).

The Business Standard attempted to reach both the home affairs adviser and Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani but received no response.

A police officer from the 20th BCS Police Cadre, who currently serves as an additional DIG, said, "I was deprived during the Hasina regime as my batchmates were promoted ahead of me. Now, even after the regime change, my promotion is being delayed again."

He added, "Given how the government needs the police to be proactive ahead of the national polls, granting due promotions could significantly boost morale within the force."