Photo: Collected-
Metropolis Desk-
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman was given a nine-year prison sentence and his wife Zubaida Rahman was given a three-year imprisonment by a Dhaka court for their illicit wealth accumulation and concealment of property information.
The court also mandated the seizure of Tarique and Zubaida’s Tk2.74 crore property, which they are now evading. Tarique has been fined Tk3 crore, while Zobaida has been fined Tk35 lakh.
If she doesn’t pay, her jail sentence will be extended by one month. Once they are apprehended or turn themselves in to the authorities, the judgment will take effect.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a corruption case against the couple in 2008 for amassing assets worth Tk4.82 crore through illegal means and concealing information of Tk2.16 crore in their wealth statements.
The court issued new arrest warrants against them and ordered a trial in the case. The trial began on 21 May 2023, and the High Court ordered the judicial court to dispose of the case as soon as possible.
Pro-BNP lawyers allege that proceedings unfolded remarkably swiftly, with testimonies held under cover of night and Awami League-affiliated lawyers purposely obstructing their presence in the courtroom.
The court arrived at its verdict based on the case’s evidence and in adherence to established legal procedures.
