Breach of discipline: 59 more SIs given show cause notice

The Bangladesh Police Academy in Rajshahi's Sardah has issued show cause notices to 59 more trainee sub-inspectors (SIs) of the 40th cadet batch, asking them to explain why they should not be dismissed for "breaching discipline".

Notices were sent to 49 cadets on October 24 while 10 others were notified on October 21 over creating chaos by sitting randomly in the training classes. They were asked to respond within three days of receiving the show-cause notices.

The issuance of these notices has spread fear among the trainees, as 252 others of the same batch were dismissed on Monday after being served such show-cause notices for "breaching discipline".

Masudur Rahman Bhuiyan, principal of the academy, yesterday confirmed the issuance of the fresh notices.

Replying to a query, he said if the trainee SIs are not show-caused for breaching discipline, they will not be streamlined.

Asked whether the 59 trainee SIs will be dismissed, Masudur said they could answer the question only after receiving the replies from the cadets.

The 49 cadets have been undergoing basic training for one year since November 5 last year in the 40th cadet SI 2023 batch at the academy, according to the notices issued on October 24.

On October 21 evening, there was a class for trainee cadet SIs on "Various Sections of Law" at the Chamney Memorial Hall.

The notices said the instructors found the cadets yelling and sitting haphazardly. When the instructors asked the cadets to maintain discipline, they disobeyed and continued shouting. They also whispered to the fellow cadets.

The notices issued to the 10 others said they did maintain discipline in their sitting on October 10 evening. They allegedly shouted and did not pay attention to a class at the gymnasium.

The notices said such "undisciplined behaviour" in a class is against the rules and regulations of the academy.

Claiming themselves to be innocent, several dismissedtrainee SIs said they did not break discipline.

One of them said, "I was not involved in politics, nor did I get the job through anyone's recommendation. I was supposed to take part in the passing-out ceremony within a few days, but I have been dismissed based on charges that I am unaware of."

Speaking to this correspondent, five dismissed trainee SIs demanded an impartial inquiry into their dismissals.

A total of 804 trainee SIs from 52 districts were recruited in the 40th Outside Cadet SI batch after they passed a physical endurance test, a 250-mark written test, and a 50-mark viva test.

Of them, three were earlier discharged on the grounds of moral turpitude.

Those who passed the tests joined the Police Academy for the year-long basic training.