The dismissed 321 trainee sub-inspectors (SIs) of the 40th batch of police officers have started indefinite hunger strike in front of the Secretariat protesting the decision of their dismissal from the service "illogically" and demanding reinstatement.
They took position at around 10am at opposite gate 1 and 2 of the Secretariat on Abdul Gani Road. Holding placards with different slogans, they were protesting peacefully.
As their demands were not met by 5pm on Monday, they started indefinite hunger strike. They were seen to stay in front of Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, just opposite the Secretariat's gate 1 and 2.
The dismissed SIs said that they had previously held peaceful protests in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 5 and 6, with 321 sub-inspectors, raising objections over their 'unjust dismissal' from training and demanding their reinstatement.
They were assured by a representative of the Home Secretary that appropriate measures would be taken. However, seeing no visible progress, they decided to stage another protest on Monday. They have announced that the protest will continue until a clear decision is made.
A dismissed SI explained, "I joined the training on November 4, 2023, and was dismissed on November 4, 2024. I was accused of being inattentive and creating disruptions. However, I ranked among the top 100 out of 804 in the mid-term exams. If I were inattentive, I wouldn't have achieved such a result."
Another protester said, "We sacrificed a lot, training almost without pay for a year. Just as we were about to become permanent officers, we were dismissed. We were dismissed over insignificant allegations. The dismissal of so many at once in the history of the Police Academy in Sardah is unprecedented."
The Police Academy had issued show-cause notices to 321 SIs in three phases, accusing them of disorderly conduct in class and the field. Later, they were dismissed from their positions.
