The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has suspended 21 officials over allegations of misconduct and disciplinary breaches during a protest against the top brass of the market regulator in March this year.

On March 5, a group of BSEC staff locked BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood and three commissioners inside the commission's meeting room for nearly four hours.

Subsequently, legal action were taken against 16 officials. Besides, departmental inquiries were initiated against officials for their involvement in acts of indiscipline, misconduct towards colleagues, and sabotage.  

If any allegation of indiscipline, misconduct with other officials, and sabotage activities is being proved against them, they will face either termination or any other big punishment, according to a BSEC official statements.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the commission has now temporarily relieved the 21 officials of their duties.

The commission said the decision was made in view of the gravity of the allegations.

The suspended staff will receive subsistence allowances in line with service rules during the suspension period.