Government invokes probation rules to dismiss four ASPs from 43rd BCS

The official order has stopped short of specifying why they were deemed ‘unfit’ for their roles

In a move grounded in longstanding civil service rules, the government has dismissed four probationary assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) from the 43rd BCS.

The home ministry issued a notification on Wednesday announcing the removal of Sajid Bin Kamal, Ratan Bala, Md Abdul Aziz, and Tahmid Ahmad.

The notification cited Rule 6(2)(a) of the Bangladesh Civil Service Recruitment Rules, 1981, for the dismissal.

Under the provision, the government can terminate the appointment of a probationer without consulting the Public Service Commission (PSC) if they are deemed “unfit” to remain in government service during their probationary period.

The official order, however, did not specify the exact reasons why the four officers were considered “unfit” for their roles.

The 43rd BCS has faced significant hurdles since its inception.

The recruitment notice was originally published on Nov 30, 2020, during the tenure of the now-ousted Awami League government.

The exam drew 435,190 applicants, the second-highest in the history of the BCS.

On Oct 29, 2021, 321,650 candidates sat for the preliminary exams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PSC initially recommended 2,805 candidates for both cadre and non-cadre positions.

The interim government cancelled the recruitment notification.

A revised list was later released, recommending 1,896 candidates for appointment.