Both the prime minister and president earlier approved the information ministry's proposal to initiate the process, official sources said.

Their approval is needed to launch a probe against an official with the rank and status of joint secretary and above. The DG of the DFP is a joint secretary-level official.

The information ministry on Monday served a show cause notice on the DG saying, "You have been accused of misconduct and corruption under articles (B) and 3 (D) of the Public Servant (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1985 and why you should not be removed from the service"

He will have to reply to it within 10 working days and also state whether he wants a personal hearing or place evidences in self-defence in the departmental proceedings.

Officials said the DG faces charges of misconduct and corruption under articles (71) (A), 3 (B) and (D) of the 1985 rules.

An inquiry committee report earlier said he misappropriated about Tk 36 lakh through massive irregularities.

On December 3, the information ministry sent its proposal to the prime minister and with her approval it was sent to the president, who approved and sent it back to the information ministry.

The Daily Star ran a report on corruption in the DFP on December 21.