Dismissed over 'embezzlement of Tk326', college principal in Cumilla returns to post after 16 years

The principal of Mohammadpur Serazul Haque College in Cumilla's Debidwar, who was dismissed over alleged embezzlement of Tk326, has returned to his post after 16 years.

The principal, Abdus Sattar, was reinstated after an order from the Supreme Court, Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nigar Sultana told The Business Standard. 

According to the district administration officials, in 2007, Sattar was suspended from the post of principal over allegations of embezzlement. Based on the complaint, the then Debidwar upazila nirbahi officer formed an investigation committee. 

After the committee submitted a report that Tk326 was embezzled from the college fund, Sattar was dismissed from his post on 1 January 2009 over his alleged involvement.

Sattar later filed a case in court claiming that the charge of embezzlement was false. 

On 5 January 2018, the High Court ruled that Sattar should be reinstated in his post of principal along with payment of outstanding salary and allowances.

College authorities appealed against the verdict. 

On 30 April this year, Supreme Court Justice Naima Haider dismissed the appeal and upheld the High Court decision to reinstate Sattar as the principal along with payment of all outstanding salary and allowances.

"I was falsely accused and harassed. Although there is a rule to pay half of my salary and allowances during suspension, that payments were withheld," Sattar told The Business Standard.

Sattar returned to the college campus today (29 September) after almost 16 years. He was greeted with flowers, and later a doa mahfil and discussion programme was held on the occasion.