A Jashore court on Monday ordered the imprisonment of Professor Abdus Sattar, former Vice Chancellor of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Dr. Sattar, also a professor of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Islamic University in Kushtia, appeared before the court on Monday and sought bail.

Senior district and sessions judge Sheikh Nazmul Alam denied the plea and directed that he be sent to jail, said ACC public prosecutor Sirajul Islam.

Two other accused in the same case—JUST deputy director (Planning and Development) Abdur Rouf and former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Islamic University in Kushtia Dr. Kamal Uddin—were granted bail after surrendering before the court a day earlier.

According to the case statement, the ACC filed the case on August 21, 2023, accusing the trio of illegal recruitment and embezzling over Tk 6.13 million in public funds.

The allegations stem from a 2009 recruitment process, during which Abdur Rouf was appointed as Assistant Director (Planning and Development) at JUST despite lacking the required experience. Dr. Sattar, then Vice Chancellor, chaired the recruitment board, while Dr. Kamal Uddin served as a board member.

Rouf was initially considered for the assistant director post, but due to insufficient qualifications, he was later recommended for the position of Section Officer (Grade-1) without any public advertisement. Dr. Sattar allegedly made the final decision unilaterally as Chairman of the Regent Board.

Rouf reportedly held the position until June 2022 and collected Tk 6,131,732 in salaries and allowances, which the ACC has deemed illegal and fraudulent.

Following the investigation, the ACC submitted a charge sheet to the court, leading to arrest warrants being issued for all three accused. While Rouf and Dr. Kamal Uddin secured bail, Dr. Abdus Sattar was taken into custody on Monday as per the court’s order.