Samrat Returns from India

Ismail Hossain Chowdhury Samrat, a former leader of the Jubo League who is suspected of collecting unlawful money, has returned home from India after receiving treatment, according to information provided to the High by his attorney.

Samrat's attorney, Advocate Mansurul Huq Chowdhury, notified the HC in writing that Samrat, who left on July 15 for Kolkata, India, came home on July 24 within the HC's predetermined period.

An HC panel of Justices Md. Nazrul Islam Talukder and Khizir Hayat today dismissed the Anti-Corruption Commission's previous appeal that sought to halt Samrat's overseas visit since Samrat had already turned in his passport to the court following his return.

On July 13, the ACC requested a stay of the High Court's previous decision to allow expelled Jubo League leader Samrat to go overseas.

Following a hearing in the case on August 22 of last year, Samrat was granted bail by Judge Al Asad Md Asifuzzaman of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-6.

Samrat's bail was also subject to a number of restrictions. Samrat was required to hand up his passport to the court and was prohibited from traveling outside of the country without the court's approval. Samrat departed the hospital on August 26 of last year after being released on bail.

Samrat was charged on November 12, 2019, by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) deputy director Md Jahangir Alam for acquiring illicit money of Tk 2,94,80,087 outside of his recognized sources of income.

On November 26, 2020, the chargesheet against Samrat was presented to the court by ACC deputy director Md Jahangir Alam following an investigation into the case.

Samrat from Chouddagram was taken into custody by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on October 7, 2019 in Cumilla for his participation in the casino industry.