Dhaka, August 8 (V7N) – A Dhaka court has ordered the imprison of Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, the former Vice Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, in connection with a corruption case related to irregularities in a major university development project.
 
Professor Kalimullah was arrested earlier in the day from his residence in Mohammadpur and presented before the court around 4:00 PM. After the hearing, Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md. Zakir Hossain Galib ordered him to be sent to jail. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is investigating the case, had petitioned for his remand.
 
The case, filed by the ACC on July 18, accuses five individuals—including Kalimullah and former Vice Chancellor Professor AKM Nur-un-Nabi—of illegally altering the government-approved design of the university’s infrastructure project. The accused allegedly signed contracts worth over BDT 30 crore without authorization from the relevant government ministries or divisions.
 
The ACC complaint also alleges misappropriation of around Tk 4 crore from project security deposits. The accused reportedly approved advance payments without proper justification, released bank guarantees before finalizing associated bills, and appointed an additional consultant in violation of public procurement guidelines.
 
Earlier the same day, the court had imposed a travel ban on all five suspects, as requested by the ACC, to prevent any attempt to leave the country while the investigation continues.
 
During the hearing, Professor Kalimullah denied all charges. He claimed the case was politically motivated, stating that he was being targeted because of his past criticisms of former Education Minister Dipu Moni.
 
The case has raised concerns in academic circles and highlighted the ongoing efforts of the ACC to root out corruption in Bangladesh’s higher education sector. The ACC has indicated it will continue its investigation and take further legal steps as necessary.
 
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