Dismissed trainee sub-inspectors continue hunger strike

Trainee sub-inspectors (SIs) from the 40th batch of police recruits, who were dismissed from service, are continuing their hunger strike for a second consecutive day, demanding reinstatement.

Around 25 dismissed SIs, including female participants, were seen sitting on mats in front of the Secretariat at 9:30 am on Tuesday. Some held placards in protest.

The protest began on Monday afternoon when the dismissed SIs gathered in front of the Secretariat. A three-member delegation from the group entered the Secretariat to meet with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, after the meeting, the officials did not offer any assurances regarding their demands, leading the SIs to begin their hunger strike.

The protesters have set up their strike near the road opposite Gate 1 and Gate 2 of the Secretariat, leading towards the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

On January 5 and 6, 321 trainee sub-inspectors staged a peaceful sit-in in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs. A delegation from their group met with the Home Secretary, who assured them that action would be taken on their demands. However, by January 12, no visible steps were taken, prompting the protesters to return to the Secretariat on Monday and resume their protest. After the meeting failed to yield any results, they began their hunger strike.

The 40th batch of SI recruits consists of 823 trainees, who started their basic training at the Rajshahi Police Academy in Sarda on November 4, 2024. Of these, 313 trainees received show-cause notices for allegations of indiscipline during class and field training, leading to their dismissal from service.