150 deprived military officials to get retrospective promotions, normal retirement: Ministry

The government has decided to award retrospective promotions and normal retirements to 150 armed forces officials who were allegedly deprived of their regular job status and salaries by the Awami League regime.

As per a Defence Ministry notification issued Wednesday, the government has decided to award the retirement and promotions to the officials who faced "discrimination, injustice and vengeance" during 2009 to 4 August 2024.

The list includes: 115 officials from the Army, 21 from the Navy and 14 from the Air Force, the notification states.

Among them are former Special Security Force (SSF) Director General Major General (Retd) Syed Fatemi Ahmed Rumi, former military secretary to ex-president Iajuddin Ahmed Lt General (Retd) Aminul Karim and Brig General (retd) Abdullahil Aman Azmi, son of late Jamaat-e-Islami chief Ghulam Azam.

The list of beneficiaries has been prepared based on recommendations and opinions submitted by a special committee and the tri-services. The Ministry of Defence formed the special committee on 3 May, the notification read.

As per the notification, most officers who were forced into early retirement have been given their dues. The forced retirement orders have been cancelled and job status until the date of normal retirement has been restored.

They would get their unpaid financial and other benefits for the restored job period.

Many other officers have received retrospective promotions to the ranks of lieutenant general, major general, brigadier general or colonel, making them eligible for equivalent unpaid salaries and other benefits.

Some will also receive one-time incentives of Tk30 lakh, Tk50 lakh or Tk1 crore; plots or flats under the management of government or their respective services, as well as opportunities to get appointed at government or state-backed autonomous institutions.

Abdullahil Aman Azmi was forced into retirement on 24 June 2009. With the latest order, the BNP government has promoted him retrospectively to major general from 26 December 2011 and lieutenant general from 26 December 2014, before retirement.

He will receive unpaid salary, other benefits, Tk1 crore incentive and eligibility for government or autonomous appointments.

Former SSF chief Rumi was forced into retirement on 12 March 2009. He has been granted normal retirement starting 25 August 2013. Therefore, he will receive all the salaries, and financial benefits due for a major general for the 2009-2013 period.