DIG Suspended After Eight-Month Unauthorised Absence

The government has temporarily suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Biplob Bijoy Talukdar after he allegedly remained absent from his workplace for nearly eight months without obtaining official permission, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The decision was formalised through a gazette notification issued in the name of the President and signed by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Monjur Morshed Chowdhury, on 24 June. The ministry confirmed the development the following day, outlining the grounds for the disciplinary action against the senior police officer.

According to the notification, Talukdar, who was attached to the Police Telecom unit at Rajarbagh, has been absent from his designated workplace since 6 October last year without approval from the competent authority. The government stated that such conduct constitutes punishable offences under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, where unauthorised absence may be classified as both misconduct and desertion.

As a result, authorities have ordered his temporary suspension from service. The suspension has been made effective from the date he first became absent from duty, reflecting the seriousness with which the government views prolonged unauthorised absence by public officials.

The case has attracted considerable attention because of Talukdar’s senior position within the Bangladesh Police. A Deputy Inspector General occupies a high-ranking role within the force and is typically responsible for overseeing major operational, administrative and strategic functions. Senior officers at this level are expected to uphold strict standards of professional conduct and accountability.

The government notification did not disclose the reasons behind Talukdar’s absence, nor did it provide details regarding any communication he may have had with authorities during the period in question. It also did not indicate whether a separate departmental investigation is underway or whether additional disciplinary proceedings may follow.

Under Bangladesh’s public service regulations, government employees are required to obtain prior approval for leave and maintain regular attendance. Prolonged absence without authorisation can trigger disciplinary measures ranging from suspension to more severe administrative penalties, depending on the findings of any subsequent inquiry. These regulations are designed to ensure accountability and the uninterrupted functioning of public institutions.

Talukdar joined the Bangladesh Police in 2001 through the 20th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination, beginning his career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police. Over more than two decades of service, he held various assignments and responsibilities within the force, progressing through the ranks before being promoted to Deputy Inspector General in 2023.

His promotion to one of the senior leadership positions within the police service marked a significant milestone in a career that spanned numerous administrative and operational roles. The latest disciplinary action, however, places his future within the force under scrutiny.

The suspension also serves as a reminder of the government’s emphasis on adherence to public service rules, regardless of rank or position. Administrative authorities have repeatedly stressed that all public servants are subject to the same legal and disciplinary framework and are expected to comply with established standards of conduct.

While the temporary suspension represents an immediate administrative measure, the matter may continue to draw attention in the coming weeks as authorities determine whether further action is warranted under the applicable disciplinary provisions.

For the time being, Biplob Bijoy Talukdar remains suspended from service, with the order taking retrospective effect from the date of his reported unauthorised absence, as stipulated in the official government notification.