Four DIGs Sent on Forced Retirement in ‘Public Interest’

Dhaka, February 24, 2025 – The government has sent four Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of police into forced retirement, citing “public interest.” These officers had previously served as superintendents of police (SPs) and additional DIGs during the controversial 2014 and 2018 national elections.

The decision was formally announced through four separate notifications signed by Nasimul Gani, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry’s Public Security Division. The officials affected by this move are Nisharul Arif from the Anti-Terrorism Unit, Abdul Quddus Amin from River Police, Azad Mia from Highway Police, and Amena Begum from Highway Police.

According to the notifications, the officers were retired under Section 45 of the Government Service Act, 2018, which allows the government to retire any public servant after 25 years of service if deemed necessary for the public interest, without providing any specific reason.

Election Roles and Allegations

• Nisharul Arif served as the additional DIG of Rajshahi Range during the 2018 elections.
• Amena Begum was the SP of Narsingdi District during the same election.
• Azad Mia held the position of SP in Cox’s Bazar during the 2014 elections.
• Abdul Quddus Amin was the SP of Gopalganj District in 2014.

Sources from the Police Headquarters indicate that at least 40 senior police officers, ranging from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Additional Inspector General (AIG), have been forcibly retired over the past six months. Many of these officials allegedly used excessive force during the July uprising of last year, which led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.

This latest action follows recent remarks by Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, who stated that SPs responsible for the 2018 “night-time” elections would either be placed on special duty (OSD) or forced into retirement. His statement, made in a Facebook post last Friday, signaled the government’s intent to take disciplinary measures against law enforcement officials involved in controversial electoral events.

Broader Disciplinary Actions

• Two days ago, the government retired 22 more officials, bringing the total number of bureaucrats disciplined for their roles in the 2014 and 2018 elections to 67.
• On Wednesday, the Public Administration Ministry placed 33 more officials on special duty, adding to the 12 who had already been reassigned earlier.
• OSD status is widely regarded as a disciplinary measure, and the government is currently reviewing the records of all affected officials. Many are expected to face further action.

Background on Election Controversies

The January 7, 2024, general election was boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and several other opposition parties. Reports suggest that in many constituencies, Awami League candidates ran as independents to create the illusion of a competitive election.

The 2018 national election was heavily criticized amid allegations of ballot-stuffing the night before polling day. According to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), vote-rigging took place in at least 33 out of 50 surveyed constituencies.

The 2014 election was also boycotted by the BNP, resulting in 153 out of 300 parliamentary seats being filled without any actual voting, as the ruling party candidates ran uncontested.

With the latest forced retirements, the government appears to be reinforcing accountability within law enforcement, particularly for officials accused of misconduct in past elections. The long-term impact of these disciplinary measures on the country’s administrative and electoral landscape remains to be seen.