A Dhaka court has sentenced expelled Jubo League leader Ismail Hossain Chowdhury Samrat to a total of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in a case filed over corruption and money laundering. The court also ordered the confiscation of his illegal assets in favor of the state.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Md Zakaria Hossain of Dhaka Special Judge Court No. 6.

According to the judgment order, Samrat was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Tk10 lakh under Section 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. In default of payment, he will have to serve an additional six months of simple imprisonment.

He was also handed another 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Tk10 lakh under Sections 4(2) and 4(3) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six months of simple imprisonment.

The court directed that the sentences will run consecutively, bringing the total prison term to 20 years.

The judgment further stated that the illegal assets mentioned in the charge sheet will be confiscated in favor of the state. The sentence will take effect from the date of his surrender or arrest, as the accused is currently absconding. The court also ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant specifying the duration of the sentence.

The case reached the verdict stage on February 9 after the conclusion of arguments. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutor Nur-e-Alam presented arguments on behalf of the prosecution. As the accused remains at large, no defense argument was heard.