The government on Monday (Aug 18) suspended 18 police officers, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Branch chief Harun-or-Rashid, for failing to report to duty without authorisation in the aftermath of July’s uprising.

A notification was issued by the Public Security Division and signed by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani on behalf of the president.

According to the order, the officers would continue to receive subsistence allowances during their suspension. The measure was enacted under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

Those suspended include three deputy inspector generals (DIGs), six additional DIGs, four superintendents of police (SPs), one assistant superintendent of police (ASP), and several other senior officials.

Many among the group were considered influential during the previous Awami League government. Harun-or-Rashid, in particular, had been a controversial figure, frequently accused of deploying the Detective Branch to suppress political opponents and journalists.

SMS/