A former deputy director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Sharif Uddin, has filed a petition to rescind his dismissal order and reinstate him to his former position.
Sharif submitted his application to the ACC secretary, citing a shift in the country's political landscape on Wednesday (7 August).
He was terminated from his position on 16 February 2022, a decision effective immediately, as per the order signed by ACC Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah.
The order invoked Rule 54 (2) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (Employees) Rules, 2008, granting Sharif 90 days' salary and applicable benefits.
The termination sparked widespread controversy among ACC officials, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision. Sharif's termination and the subsequent public discourse highlighted the contentious nature of his removal.
In his appeal, Sharif Uddin highlighted his unblemished service record from 12 October 2014 to 16 February 2022. During his tenure, he claimed to have diligently handled over seventy significant cases, including 20 cases related to illegal passports and NIDs for Rohingya refugees, corruption in Cox's Bazar land acquisition, Petrobangla, and Bangladesh Railway recruitment, among others.
Additionally, Sharif noted his involvement in high-profile cases against top drug dealers, irregularities in the health sector, and major industrial corruption investigations. He underscored his role in exposing corruption in various government offices and industries, including the arrest of two officials for embezzling state property.
Sharif's petition also included his work on numerous other significant investigations, emphasizing the critical nature of these cases and the involvement of law enforcement and administrative officials. He lamented that his dedication to fighting corruption had led to threats against his and his family's lives, yet the ACC dismissed him without due process, violating Article 135 (2) of the Constitution and his fundamental rights.
Sharif expressed that the dismissal order was unjust and inhumane, issued without providing him the opportunity to defend himself. He appealed for a fair review and withdrawal of the dismissal order, seeking reinstatement with all associated benefits.
Confirming the submission of his petition to Barta24.com, Sharif stated, "I lost my job due to the wrath of corrupt individuals. I seek justice now." He noted that he had met with the ACC Commissioner and Director, who assured him that his case would be considered.
Previously, on 20 February, ACC Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain cited 13 reasons for Sharif's dismissal in a media briefing, to which Sharif responded in a subsequent video message, providing explanations and rebuttals for each point.
