Hasina seeks exemption from court appearance in extortion case
Friday, 20 June 2008
Lawyers for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina urged a Dhaka court Thursday to exempt their client from appearing in person in court for hearing in an extortion case filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury, reports bdnews24.com.
Advocate Sahara Khatun, on behalf of the Awami League president, sought permission from metropolitan sessions judge Md Ashraf Hossain, who set July 2 as the date to give his decision on the matter.
Lawyers for Hasina's cousin and co-accused in the case, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, also sought exemption of their client from appearing in person in court.
The judge said he would give his decision after examination of case documents of the High Court in this regard.
The High Court on Feb 6 last cancelled the extortion case, filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury, declaring illegal bringing of the case under Emergency Powers Rules.
The Supreme Court has since overruled the High Court order cancelling the case, allowing it to proceed in trial court.
The case alleges the accused extorted around Tk 30 million (3 crore) from the businessman in exchange for awarding a work permit in a power plant project during Hasina's term as prime minister.
The AL chief was taken into detention from her Dhanmondi residence on July 16, and was shown arrested in the case that was brought under the EPR the same day.
Hasina has already been exempted from appearing in person in court in four separate graft cases filed against her, as she seeks medical treatment overseas.
The government on June 11 issued a temporary release order for the AL president allowing her to go abroad. She went to the US the next day.
Advocate Sahara Khatun, on behalf of the Awami League president, sought permission from metropolitan sessions judge Md Ashraf Hossain, who set July 2 as the date to give his decision on the matter.
Lawyers for Hasina's cousin and co-accused in the case, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, also sought exemption of their client from appearing in person in court.
The judge said he would give his decision after examination of case documents of the High Court in this regard.
The High Court on Feb 6 last cancelled the extortion case, filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury, declaring illegal bringing of the case under Emergency Powers Rules.
The Supreme Court has since overruled the High Court order cancelling the case, allowing it to proceed in trial court.
The case alleges the accused extorted around Tk 30 million (3 crore) from the businessman in exchange for awarding a work permit in a power plant project during Hasina's term as prime minister.
The AL chief was taken into detention from her Dhanmondi residence on July 16, and was shown arrested in the case that was brought under the EPR the same day.
Hasina has already been exempted from appearing in person in court in four separate graft cases filed against her, as she seeks medical treatment overseas.
The government on June 11 issued a temporary release order for the AL president allowing her to go abroad. She went to the US the next day.