The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammad Ali Hossain Fakir, has issued a stern directive to all police personnel, warning against leaving their official posts without authorisation to lobby at government ministries. The move comes amid growing concern that such practices are undermining the reputation of the Bangladesh Police and disrupting the daily functioning of government offices.
According to a circular issued on Monday from Police Headquarters under the IGP’s signature, some officers have been found to leave their duty stations during office hours to visit ministries and seek favours related to promotions, transfers, or other personal benefits. This trend has recently drawn the attention of senior authorities, prompting renewed instructions to curb the practice.
The circular notes:
“Such lobbying has caused embarrassment for senior officials at the ministries. It also damages the police service’s image and interrupts routine governmental operations. Despite previous memoranda from the Ministry of Home Affairs and prior instructions from Police Headquarters communicated to all units and district police superintendents, the same incidents continue to occur. Therefore, this directive is being reissued to reinforce compliance.”
Key Directives for Police Personnel
| Directive | Details |
|---|---|
| Leaving Duty Station | Officers must not leave their posts without explicit permission from the controlling authority. |
| Lobbying at Ministries | Unauthorised visits for promotions, transfers, or personal gain are strictly prohibited. |
| Administrative Compliance | All officers must follow established rules and seek permission before engaging in official or semi-official meetings outside their station. |
| Reinforcement of Previous Orders | This circular reiterates prior instructions that were ignored or inadequately followed. |
Assistant IGP H.M. Shahadat Hossain, spokesperson for Police Headquarters, told our representative:
“Leaving one’s office during official hours without approval to be present in a ministry or other important government office is contrary to administrative discipline. This circular reminds all personnel of the importance of adhering to prescribed rules and procedures.”
Insiders report that certain officers, particularly those with political affiliations during their student years, have habitually lobbied for career advancements. Recent irregularities led to the temporary suspension of a former commissioner of a metropolitan police unit near Dhaka. On 14 September, Enayet Karim Chowdhury, also known as Masud Karim (55), an alleged agent of a national intelligence agency, was arrested in Minto Road, Dhaka. Notably, the former commissioner’s bodyguard was present in the vehicle from which Karim was apprehended.
It has been alleged that following the formation of a BNP-led government, the suspended commissioner had repeatedly visited the relevant ministry to lobby for his appointment as Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner. Although Police Headquarters initially recommended his reinstatement, the Home Ministry returned the recommendation for further review, highlighting the sensitive nature of ministerial lobbying.
Through this directive, the IGP aims to reinforce professional integrity within the force, ensure administrative discipline, and prevent unauthorised interference with government operations. Any officer found violating these instructions may face strict administrative action.