Sixteen years ago, Abdus Sattar, then the principal of Mohammadpur Serajul Haque College in Debidwar, Comilla, was dismissed over allegations of embezzling Tk326. After a prolonged legal battle, he was reinstated following a High Court order.
Sattar returned to the college after 16 years on Sunday, greeted by a jubilant crowd of teachers, students, and parents.
A celebratory rally with flower garlands and slogans marked his arrival, followed by a prayer and discussion session on the campus.
Sattar had been suspended in 2007 after being accused of misappropriating Tk326 from the college fund. An investigation committee was formed by the then Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Debidwar, comprising Principal Abdullah Masud Pakhi of Debidwar Jobeda Khatun Women's College as convener, along with other local educational leaders.
The committee found evidence of embezzlement, leading to Sattar's permanent dismissal on January 1, 2009.
However, Sattar contested the charge in court, asserting that the allegations were politically motivated and false.
In 2018, the High Court ruled in his favour, ordering his reinstatement and directing the college to pay his outstanding salary and allowances.
The college authorities appealed the ruling, but the Supreme Court, led by Justice Naima Haider, upheld the original decision on April 30 this year. Sattar was finally reinstated, with all outstanding dues to be paid.
Speaking about his ordeal, Sattar said: "I was unjustly harassed due to political influence. Even my salary was withheld during my suspension, against the rules. Despite threats from the college founders, I persisted with my case. At one point, I was even abducted from the High Court premises by thugs and tortured to force me to withdraw the case."
Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nigar Sultana confirmed the court's ruling, adding: "Abdus Sattar has been reinstated as per the High Court's order, and I have ensured the necessary documents were verified before his return."