Trial of Hasina in power plant case deferred until July 10
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Former Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina's trial in the barge-mounted power plant graft case was Tuesday further held back as the fate of the case hangs on High Court (HC) decision, reports UNB.
As the special court that deals with high-profile corruption cases in the interim period resumed at 10-35am, Sahara Khatun, a counsel for the absentee-accused Hasina, informed that the hearing on a petition for quashing the case remained inconclusive in the HC. "In that case, the trial should be adjourned until the HC resolves the matter," Sahara submitted.
Chief Public Prosecutor (PP) of the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) Sharfuddin Khan Mukul also supported defence lawyer's viewpoint.
Meanwhile, Judge M Firoz Alam said to both the defence and prosecution sides that he did not get back the trial-court records forwarded earlier to the HC, as asked for.
On June 19, the HC, during hearing on the quashment petition filed by Awami League (AL) president and ex-PM Sheikh Hasina-now abroad on interim release from prison for treatment-had called for trial-court records for judicial scrutiny to ascertain whether the case had been filed in due process of law.
As the special court that deals with high-profile corruption cases in the interim period resumed at 10-35am, Sahara Khatun, a counsel for the absentee-accused Hasina, informed that the hearing on a petition for quashing the case remained inconclusive in the HC. "In that case, the trial should be adjourned until the HC resolves the matter," Sahara submitted.
Chief Public Prosecutor (PP) of the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) Sharfuddin Khan Mukul also supported defence lawyer's viewpoint.
Meanwhile, Judge M Firoz Alam said to both the defence and prosecution sides that he did not get back the trial-court records forwarded earlier to the HC, as asked for.
On June 19, the HC, during hearing on the quashment petition filed by Awami League (AL) president and ex-PM Sheikh Hasina-now abroad on interim release from prison for treatment-had called for trial-court records for judicial scrutiny to ascertain whether the case had been filed in due process of law.