Hasina indicted in Mig-29 graft case
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Former Prime Minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, currently abroad on parole for treatment, was Wednesday indicted along with five others in the long-pending graft case involving the purchase of Mig-29 warplanes from Russia, reports UNB.
Dhaka divisional special judge Golam Mortuza Majumdar formally framed the charges against them in the Mig-29 purchase scam case.
Passing the order the court set September 3 for commencement of the trial through deposition by the Prosecution Witnesses (PWs).
Since Hasina has been dispensed with personal attendance during trial, her lawyer Shahara Khatun represented her during the charge framing.
The remaining five accused, now on bail, appeared in the dock and pleaded not guilty while the charges against them were read out.
Denying the allegations, they prayed for justice.
The court had earlier relieved former Army Chief Gen (Retd) Mustafizur Rahman of the charge following his death in the meantime.
Before framing charges, the court, relocated to the high- security parliament complex, turned down a defence plea for adjournment until the principal accused, Hasina, returns home from abroad.
The five other accused facing the trial are ex-Air Force chief Air Marshal (retd) Jamal Uddin Ahmed, retired defence secretary Syed Yusuf Hossain, Air Commodore (retd) Mirza Akhtar Maruf, retired defence joint secretary Mohammad Hossain Serniabat and business tycoon Noor Ali.
Dhaka divisional special judge Golam Mortuza Majumdar formally framed the charges against them in the Mig-29 purchase scam case.
Passing the order the court set September 3 for commencement of the trial through deposition by the Prosecution Witnesses (PWs).
Since Hasina has been dispensed with personal attendance during trial, her lawyer Shahara Khatun represented her during the charge framing.
The remaining five accused, now on bail, appeared in the dock and pleaded not guilty while the charges against them were read out.
Denying the allegations, they prayed for justice.
The court had earlier relieved former Army Chief Gen (Retd) Mustafizur Rahman of the charge following his death in the meantime.
Before framing charges, the court, relocated to the high- security parliament complex, turned down a defence plea for adjournment until the principal accused, Hasina, returns home from abroad.
The five other accused facing the trial are ex-Air Force chief Air Marshal (retd) Jamal Uddin Ahmed, retired defence secretary Syed Yusuf Hossain, Air Commodore (retd) Mirza Akhtar Maruf, retired defence joint secretary Mohammad Hossain Serniabat and business tycoon Noor Ali.