The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The investigation report on the container-handling case against Khaleda Zia and 12 others has been submitted to the Anti- Corruption Commission recommending inclusion of 18 more persons, including Saifur Rahman, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and Jamaat chief Motiur Rahman Nizami, in the charge sheet along with those initially accused.

The investigation officer in his report has recommended submission of charge sheet against 31 individuals, including the initially accused 13.

Of the additional 18 whose names recommended for inclusion into the charge sheet include former ministers Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, MK Anwar, M Shamsul Islam, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and former Cabinet Secretary and incumbent Public Service Commission Dr Sa'dat Hossain.

"Yes, investigation officer ACC deputy director Jahirul Huda submitted the memo of evidence to the Commission. He recommended submission of charge sheet against 31 individuals," a competent source told UNB.

"The Commission will now examine the investigation report and after the Commission's approval the charge sheet will be submitted to the court," the source added.

About recommendation for including another 18 persons in the charge sheet, the source said it appears that during investigation involvement of all the members of the then purchase committee and some others have been found.

On September 2, the ACC deputy director filed the case with Tejgaon police station against Khaleda, Koko and 11 others for alleged irregularities and corruption in awarding a deal to GATCO, a little known company.

Khaleda was accused of awarding the contract by abusing power to the incompetent firm, Global Agro Trade Private Limited, in March 2003 for handling container cargoes at Chittagong Port and Kamalapur Inland Container Depot.

The 11 others who were also accused are Zulfiqar Ali, AN Sarwar Hossain, Shahdat Hossain, Ahmed Abul Kashem, Lutful Kabir, Ismail Hossain Saimon, Galib Ahmed, Tanvir Ahmed, AKM Musa Kajol, Mrs Jahanara Akbar and Ehsan Yusuf.

Following the filing of the case, the investigation team questioned a good number of individuals in this regard. They included Khaleda Zia, some former ministers, former and incumbent bureaucrats, Chittagong Port Authority officials and GATCO officials. Many files were also seized in connection with the high-profile case.