The ministry of home affairs today created 215 new posts of superintendent of police in its organogram.

With the latest additions, the total posts in Bangladesh Police from constable to inspector general of police stands at 2,12,744, according to a circular signed by Tahmina Begum, deputy secretary of the home ministry.

Nearly one and half years back, 230 police officials got "in-situ promotions" as superintendent of police (SP) from their posts of additional superintendents, but they could not take charge as no such posts were vacant at the time.

The police official who got the "in-situ promotion" will be appointed against the newly created 215 SP posts, a source at the police headquarters told The Daily Star seeking anonymity.   

An "in-situ" official is someone who continues to hold the same office and performs the same duties even after being given a higher position.

As a result, these officials are still performing their duties as additional SPs, which has been demoralising for them, the source said.

The 230, however, have been enjoying all the financial benefits of an SP since the promotions.

Aiming to resolve the crisis, the PHQ recently proposed creating the new SP posts in the force after removing the same number of additional SP posts from the organogram.