The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Supreme Court Sunday upheld the High Court verdict that had declared illegal the detention order of former Law Minister Barrister Moudud Ahmed.

The apex court, however, partly granted leave-to-appeal sought by the government for hearing the High Court order that had also declared illegal the extension of the detention order under the Special Powers Act.

On September 12, the High Court, upon a habeas corpus petition, declared illegal Moudud's detention along with its extension and directed government to release him, if police does not want him in any other case.

Earlier, on April 13, the army-led joint forces arrested Moudud from his Gulshan residence and reportedly seized 16 bottles of foreign liquors and 32 cans of beer along with 220 pieces of sarees of the government relief fund.

However, despite the Supreme Court order, Moudud will not be able to get release from incarceration, as he faces corruption charges, court sources said.

Moudud, a stalwart of BNP, is among scores of once-powerful politicians, bureaucrats and business tycoons held during the ongoing drive against egregious crime and corruption. Barrister Rafique-ul Huq appeared for Moudud, while Attorney General Fida M Kamal stood for the state.