Eight policemen from Kushtia have been fired over the past one and half years after dope tests found proof of them had been taking drugs.
SM Tanvir Hasan, superintendent of police (SP) in Kushtia confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune on Monday.
Among the dismissed, two are Sub-Inspector, two are Assistant Sub-Inspector and the rest are in ranks similar to that of constables.
Acting on the orders of Inspector General of Police (IGP) dope tests are being conducted in the police force all across the country.
In Kushtia, the SP ordered dope tests be initiated among police members from the May of 2019, who are suspected of taking drugs through surveillance.
Subsequently 11 policemen were tested in the past one and half a years and among them it was found that nine were taking drugs.
Initially eight of them were transferred to different districts while the investigation against them had been ongoing. One of the suspected cops is a traffic sergeant and was closed to the police lines.
After an investigation report submitted against the eight following dope tests, they were fired. Investigation against three cops in the district had been ongoing, said police.
On November 22, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) terminated 10 policemen and suspended 18 more for failing dope test, reports UNB.
So far, 68 policemen – seven sub-inspectors, one sergeant, five assistant sub-inspectors, five nayeks, and 50 constables – have failed the tests.
Earlier this year, DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said: "All suspected drug-addicted policemen will have to take drug tests. If anyone is found positive, they will be sacked."
Shafiqul also said police personnel involved in drugs are already under intelligence surveillance.