The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has withdrawn the dismissal order against its Deputy Assistant Director Md Sharif Uddin and reinstated him to service. The commission has also decided to restore his seniority and provide all outstanding salaries, allowances and other benefits in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The decision was announced in a notification issued by the ACC on Tuesday (November 10).

Sharif Uddin was dismissed from service on February 16, 2022, while serving at the ACC’s Integrated District Office in Patuakhali. Earlier, on June 16, 2021, he had been transferred from the commission’s Chattogram office to Patuakhali.

During his tenure in Chattogram, Sharif Uddin came into the spotlight for investigating alleged irregularities and corruption in land acquisition for government development projects. He also recommended filing cases against several influential individuals over the alleged irregularities.

He reportedly received death threats while carrying out his official duties and subsequently filed a General Diary (GD) with the police.

His dismissal triggered widespread discussion and criticism across the country. A section of ACC officials and employees protested the decision, including staging a human chain in front of the commission’s headquarters. Following his dismissal, Sharif Uddin reportedly started working at his brother’s shop.

Dismissal Under Rule 54(2)

The dismissal order cited Rule 54(2) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (Employee) Rules, 2008, as the legal basis for removing Sharif Uddin from service.

After nearly four years, the commission has now withdrawn that order and decided to reinstate him.

Under the latest decision, Sharif Uddin will regain his previous seniority and receive all outstanding salaries and allowances to which he is entitled under the applicable rules.

The decision marks a significant development in the long-running controversy surrounding his dismissal from the anti-graft agency.