The Police Headquarters has issued a strict directive requiring all unit heads to seek prior approval from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) before leaving their duty stations.
The directive came after reports of some unit heads departing without official consent, a violation of police protocol.
It was issued in a letter signed by Additional DIG Khondkar Shamima Yasmin of the Police Headquarters’ Personal Management-1 branch.
The letter, which identifies unauthorised departures as “disciplinary breaches,” underscores the importance of maintaining order within the force.
According to the letter, before leaving their posts for any reason, whether for leave or other purposes, unit heads must seek prior permission from the IGP.
The move is aimed at bolstering the operational efficiency and coordination of the police force, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming national elections.
The circular was sent to senior police officials, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the Chief of the Special Branch (SB), and all regional DIGs, as well as Superintendents of Police (SPs) across the country.
While it is customary for unit heads to seek permission from the Police Headquarters before leaving their areas, recent deviations from this practice prompted the issuance of this reminder.
The directive is also seen as a step to ensure law and order during the high-stakes election period, when maintaining discipline and effective policing is critical.
