Tabassum Urmi dismissed over Facebook post criticizing CA

Tapasi Tabassum Urmi, a former executive magistrate in Lalmonirhat, has been removed from government service over a Facebook post criticizing the interim government and its Chief Adviser.

A notification was issued from the Ministry of Public Administration in this regard on Wednesday.

According to the notification, Assistant Secretary Tapasi Tabassum Urmi, who had been temporarily suspended and assigned Officer on Special Duty (OSD), was found guilty of “misconduct” under Rule 3(b) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

She was dismissed under Rule 4(3)(d) of the same regulation.

Urmi was initially suspended on October 6, 2024, after making controversial remarks on Facebook about the Chief Adviser.

Following the suspension, the ministry initiated departmental proceedings and issued a show-cause notice, offering her the opportunity for a personal hearing. Citing security concerns, Urmi declined to appear in person and submitted a written explanation instead.

Since her response was seen as unsatisfactory, an inquiry officer was appointed under Rule 7(2)(d). The inquiry report confirmed the misconduct allegation under Rule 3(b).

Subsequently, a second show-cause notice was issued, asking Urmi to explain why she should not be dismissed or face another major penalty. She submitted a response, but after reviewing it, the authorities concluded that the allegations against her were proven.

The matter was referred to the Public Service Commission, which endorsed the ministry’s recommendation for her dismissal. The decision was later approved by the President of Bangladesh.