The government is investigating allegations that nearly 19,000 police personnel were recruited from Gopalganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur and Kishoreganj during the Awami League’s 15-year rule. The report says the recruitment included about 15,000 constables, sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, 3,700 inspectors, and 300 assistant and additional superintendents of police. Allegations emerged after the 2024 mass uprising that applicants used land purchases and altered permanent addresses to qualify under district quotas.

Police sources alleged that political affiliation, district considerations, recommendation letters and financial transactions influenced recruitment, with priority given to Chhatra League leaders and activists. The investigation is examining false addresses, manipulation of written and oral examination marks, question-paper leaks and political influence. It is also reviewing whether recruits or their families were connected to Awami League politics.

Two investigation committees have been formed in each district, with DIGs serving as chief coordinators and local additional superintendents and Special Branch personnel assisting. The committees have collected relevant records and are verifying field-level information. Their final reports will go through range offices and police headquarters to the Home Ministry, which will take legal action. Police headquarters spokesperson Shahadat Hossain said proven illegal appointments would face departmental and legal measures.