HC orders reinstatement of ACC official Sharif, who was fired after probing high-profile corruption
In its ruling, the bench termed the dismissal process against Sharif Uddin as "illegal and unjust."
The High Court has ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to reinstate suspended deputy assistant director Md Sharif Uddin – known for probing high-profile corruption cases – declaring his dismissal illegal and unconstitutional.
The court also directed the ACC to pay him all outstanding salaries, allowances, and benefits, and disposed of a relevant rule.
The verdict came today from an HC panel of Justice Rezaul Hasan and Justice Biswajit Debnath in the presence of Sharif Uddin in the courtroom.
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Senior lawyer Md Salah Uddin Dolon and advocate Mia Mohammad Ishtiaq represented Sharif in court, while senior lawyer Asif Hasan appeared on behalf of the ACC.
In its ruling, the bench termed the dismissal process against Sharif Uddin as "illegal and unjust."
Following the verdict, lawyer Md Salah Uddin Dolon said the court has ordered the ACC to reinstate Sharif Uddin with full seniority and benefits within 30 days. "The court also invalidated the dismissal order."
ACC counsel Asif Hasan told reporters that the verdict would be conveyed to the Commission, which would then decide whether to appeal.
Sharif Uddin was dismissed on 16 February 2022 without any explanation. Just a month later, on 13 March, he filed a writ petition challenging the legality of Rule 54(2) of the ACC Employee Rules, which allows termination without stating any reason. He also sought reinstatement.
He applied to the anti-graft agency seeking job reinstatement after the Hasina government's ouster last year, which was also rejected by the ACC.
Sharif, who has served at the ACC's Chattogram Integrated District Office since 2019, gained national attention for investigating several high-profile corruption cases, especially related to land acquisition in Cox's Bazar. His sudden removal sparked widespread criticism, with many alleging that his anti-corruption drive angered influential quarters.
In his immediate reaction to the HC order, Sharif Uddin said, "After a three-year legal battle, I received justice from the High Court. I could potentially have been denied justice if the mass uprising had not taken place on 5 August."
