Two more police officers suspended over prolonged absenteeism

The decision follows the suspension of 18 other officers earlier this week on same charge

The interim government has suspended two more police officers for prolonged absence from duty, following similar action against 18 senior officers earlier this week.

The home ministry issued the suspension orders on Tuesday and Wednesday against Superintendent Md Nazmul Islam and Hafiz Al Faruq, who was promoted to SP on supernumerary status.

Both previously served with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police until the Awami League government was ousted on Aug 5 last year.

After the government change, Nazmul was transferred to the office of the deputy inspector general of Barishal Range, while Hafiz Al Faruq was posted to Rajshahi Sardah.

According to the notifications, Nazmul has been absent since Apr 23 this year, while Hafiz has been away from his post since Feb 1.

The orders say both face charges under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, clauses 3(Kha) and 3(Ga), for misconduct and desertion, which are punishable offences.

Under rule 12(1), they are suspended from service from the date of absence. “During the suspension, they will be entitled to subsistence allowance,” it reads.

On Sunday, 18 police officers were suspended under the same rules for absence from duty.

The group included DMP’s Detective Branch chief Harunor Rashid, former Dhaka Range deputy inspector general (DIG) Syed Nurul Islam, three other DIGs, six additional DIGs, four SPs, four additional superintendents and one assistant superintendent.