A Dhaka court sentenced former Dhaka South Jubo League president, Ismail Hossain Chowdhury Samrat, to 20 years in prison in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for acquiring wealth illegally.
Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-6 Judge Md Zakaria Hossain delivered the verdict on Wednesday, February 25.
The court also ordered the confiscation of all his illegally acquired assets.
Under the ruling, Samrat was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Tk 10 lakh under the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act for acquiring illegal assets. In default of payment, he will serve an additional 10 months in jail.
He received another 10-year prison term and a Tk 10 lakh fine for money laundering, with an additional six months in jail if the fine is not paid.
Court sources said that the accused remained absconding, and therefore no defense arguments were presented on his behalf. Testimony in the case concluded on February 2, with all 21 prosecution witnesses listed in the charge sheet providing statements.
The case was filed by ACC Deputy Director Md Jahangir Alam on November 12, 2019, accusing Samrat of illegally acquiring assets worth Tk 29.48 million. After completing its investigation, the ACC submitted the charge sheet on November 26, 2020.
On July 17, 2025, the court framed charges against Samrat and ordered the trial to begin. As he was absent at the time, his bail was canceled and an arrest warrant issued.
Samrat was initially arrested on October 6, 2019, in Cumilla during an anti-casino operation, along with his associate Enamul Haque, also known as Arman. He was later released on bail on August 22, 2022.