Deputy inspector general of police AKM Ehsanullah, who is now posted at the Bangladesh Police Academy at Sardah in Rajshahi, has remained absent from his duty for the past seven days amid allegations of his involvement in extrajudicial killings and other unlawful activities, police officials said on Monday.
Academy authorities said that they had been unable to trace his whereabouts since October 29, when he stopped attending work.
鈥楢lthough the officer later sent a leave application by post, it was not accepted,鈥� said Mohammed Saiful Islam, superintendent of police (administration and logistics) at the academy.
He said that they had already submitted a report regarding his absence.
According to officials concerned, Ehsanullah, a 20th BCS cadre officer, is serving as DIG in charge of the academy鈥檚 administration and logistics wing.
He previously served as superintendent of police in Barishal, where he reportedly faced accusations of involvement in extrajudicial killings and other criminal acts.
An investigation into these allegations is said to be ongoing at the International Crimes Tribunal.
Police Academy principal Tawfique Mahbub Chowdhury, also additional IGP, told reporters that the officer鈥檚 disappearance was under review.
鈥榃e have initiated steps to locate him. As per procedure, no disciplinary action can be taken at our level against a senior officer; any action must come from the Ministry of Home Affairs,鈥� he said.
Sources at the academy said that on the morning of October 29, a police team arrived at the academy to detain DIG Ehsanullah.
However, he reportedly learned of the operation in advance and went into hiding before the team arrived.
His disappearance has since sparked intense discussion within the police department and beyond.
