Approximately 250 trainee Sub-Inspectors (SIs) from the 40th outside cadet batch have been dismissed from the Sarda Police Academy in Rajshahi just a month before their graduation.
The principal of the academy sent discharge letters to the trainees` home addresses yesterday morning, three senior officials from both the academy and Police Headquarters confirmed that to the Daily Star.
The official reason given for their dismissal was a breach of discipline.
Last Friday, the trainees were granted a three-day vacation. However, sources indicate that, alongside disciplinary issues, the Police Headquarters, in consultation with the home ministry, conducted a background check on the political affiliations of all 801 trainee SIs in the batch.
This investigation, carried out by an intelligence agency, followed the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.
"Based on the agency`s findings, a list of 250 SIs was submitted to the principal of the Sarda Police Academy for further action about 20 days ago," an official revealed to the Daily Star who wished to remain anonymous.
On October 8, the police academy administration issued show-cause letters to the 250 trainees, requesting explanations for why they should not be discharged from the training program due to the disciplinary violations.
According to the Daily Star they have obtained a copy of one such letter, which outlines the incidents leading to this action.
In this regard, the Home Advisor said,
“The 250 police officers have been dismissed not for their political identity, but for breaches of discipline.”
