Verdict in Tarique-Zubaida graft case August 2

A Dhaka Court on Thursday fixed August 2 to deliver its verdict in a graft case against BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman over illicit wealth accumulation.
The case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused them of amassing assets through illegal means and concealing information in their wealth statements.
Judge of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court, Md Adaduzzaman, set the date for announcing the verdict after concluding the arguments.
The accused couple has been shown as fugitives in the charge sheet.
During the argument, ACC Public Prosecutor Mosharraf Hossain Kazol told the court that they were able to prove the charges brought against the couple beyond doubt.
So, they should be given the highest punishment for acquiring illegal wealth (10 years) and concealing the information of wealth (three years), the PP added.
Earlier, the court recorded statements of 42 out of 56 prosecution witnesses, including complainant of the case.
On April 13, the same court framed charges against them. A petition was submitted praying to the court to appoint a lawyer for Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman, although they are fugitives. However, the judge rejected the application.
The case against the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and his wife was filed during the rule of the army-backed caretaker government.
Tarique was arrested and imprisoned for one and a half years before he was released on bail.
While on bail, Tarique travelled to the United Kingdom with his family and never returned home. He became a senior vice chairman of the BNP while living abroad and still serves as acting chairman of the party.
Zubaida, a physician, joined the government health services before she was sacked in 2014 as she did not rejoin her workplace after taking a leave.

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