Breaking News: Tarek Rahman Acquitted in Corruption Case
In a stunning turn of events, Tarek Rahman, the chairperson of the BNP, along with other defendants, has been acquitted in the corruption case involving the Zia Orphanage Trust. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday (January 15) by a five-member appellate bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed.
Legal Battle Unfolds
The appellate bench, comprising senior lawyers like Joynul Abedin, AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Badrudoja Badal, Ruhul Kuddus Kajal, and lawyer Kaysar Kamal, ruled in favor of the defendants. On the prosecution side were additional Attorney General Arshadur Rouf and Anikul Ar Hak, with defense lawyer Asif Hasan representing Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal.
Last year, on November 11, Khaleda Zia was granted permission to appeal to the High Court against the verdict of the lower court. Subsequently, Khaleda Zia filed an appeal.
Legal Drama Unfolds
On February 8, 2018, the Special Judge’s Court-5 in Bakshibazar sentenced Khaleda Zia to five years in prison in the Zia Orphanage Trust case. Along with her, her son Tarek Rahman, former MP Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal, businessman Sharfuddin Ahmed, Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, and Mominur Rahman were also sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Later that year, on February 20, Khaleda Zia appealed to the High Court. On March 28 of the same year, the High Court rejected the plea for an extension of the sentence.
Justice Prevails
In a landmark decision on October 30, 2018, the High Court bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice MM Mostafizur Rahman extended Khaleda Zia’s sentence from five to 10 years. The sentences of others involved were also upheld.
On October 29, 2018, in another courtroom of the old central jail’s administrative building, Special Judge’s Court-5 Judge M Akhtaruzzaman sentenced Khaleda Zia to seven years in prison in the Zia Charitable Trust case. She was also fined 1 million taka and sentenced to an additional six months in prison. The other three defendants received the same sentence.
In the midst of legal battles and appeals, Khaleda Zia remained steadfast in her belief in the law and the justice system. Her lawyers emphasized her respect for the law and her refusal to seek forgiveness for crimes she did not commit. Despite the political implications and the involvement of the former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, in the cases, justice ultimately prevailed.
As the legal saga comes to a close, it raises questions about the intricacies of the legal system, the role of forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice. Amidst the complex legal proceedings, one thing remains clear – the importance of upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
This verdict marks a significant moment in the country’s legal history, underscoring the complexities and nuances of the justice system. As the legal battle comes to an end, it leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
বাংলাদেশ সময়: ০৯৫৮ ঘণ্টা, জানুয়ারি ১৫, ২০২৫
ইএস/আরএইচ
