Govt to recruit 4,000 ASIs ahead of national elections
In a significant move to bolster law enforcement ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections, the government has announced plans to recruit 4,000 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs, unarmed) into the Bangladesh Police.
A formal notification has been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the recruitment drive aimed at strengthening police capacity to ensure public safety and maintain order during the electoral period.
According to officials, the new appointments are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing election-time security, curbing potential violence, and reinforcing overall policing operations across the country.
Sources at Police Headquarters confirmed that the recruitment process will be expedited, though certain procedural steps must first be completed.
Notably, existing regulations do not currently permit direct recruitment to the ASI rank – unlike for constables and Sub-Inspectors – so amendments to the rules are underway. Once the necessary circular is issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, the official recruitment notice will be published.
The Ministry of Finance has already granted approval for the temporary creation of 4,000 Grade-14 ASI (Unarmed) posts under the revenue sector, allocated across various police units nationwide.
This decision follows a formal request from the Public Security Division and is intended to be completed before the election schedule is officially announced.
However, the Finance Ministry’s approval comes with several conditions:
The salary scale must adhere to that verified by the Implementation Sub-Division of the Finance Department;
Recommendations from the Secretary Committee on Administrative Development must be accepted;
Formalities regarding the abolition of 4,000 constable posts—including prior consent from the Ministry of Public Administration—must be fulfilled;
Final approval from the relevant ministry’s adviser is required before the posts are formally created.
According to an Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) at Police Headquarters, the recruitment will follow a 50:50 split: 2,000 ASIs will be appointed through direct recruitment, while the remaining 2,000 will be promoted from the ranks of serving constables.
The first time in Bangladesh Police history, ASIs will be directly recruited, following a process similar to that used for Sub-Inspectors. Candidates are expected to undergo a rigorous selection process, including physical fitness and endurance tests, written and psychological assessments, computer skills evaluations, intelligence and oral interviews, medical examinations, and police verification.
On August 28, Police Headquarters published a district-wise list of employable vacancies for Trainee Recruit Constables (TRC), June 2025, indicating 2,000 vacancies, suggesting preparatory groundwork for the broader recruitment drive. Dhaka district recorded the highest number of vacancies (167), followed by Chittagong (106).
IGP Baharul Alam confirmed the 50–50 recruitment model and noted that the required rule amendments are being processed by the Ministry of Public Administration. “The path to these appointments has now become somewhat smoother,” he said. When asked whether the timing was linked to the upcoming elections, he replied, “Certainly. The Chief Adviser gave in-principle approval for the appointments of several forces a few days ago, and work is now underway.”
Additional IGP (HRM) Abu Naser Mohammad Khaled added that the circular enabling the recruitment is imminent, after which the official notice will be issued. “This is a landmark step for the force,” he said.