The New Nation - Internet Edition

Awami League Acting President Zillur Rahman talking
to newsmen after taking part in the hearing as the defence
lawyer in the extortion case against Sheikh Hasina at the
make-shift court at Sangshad Bhaban premises on Wednesday.
Banglar Chokh

UNB, Dhaka

Hearing on framing charges in an extortion case against ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was adjourned on Wednesday till December 31 as the defense counsel sought time to receive material documents of the case.

As the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions court resumes this morning, the state prosecution proposed for framing charges against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana and cousin Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim in the extortion case of Tk 3 crore filed by a private power company chief executive Azam J Chowdhury.

Chief Public Prosecutor Sharfuddin Mukul read out the First Information Report (FIR) in support of framing charges in a makeshift court set up in the parliament building complex. But defence counsel Barrister Shafique Ahmed sought time to receive material documents placed before the court by the prosecution for advancing his arguments.

After hearing the both sides, judge M Azizul Haque fixed December 31 for next date of hearing.

Earlier, at 9:35 am principal accused Awami League president Sheikh Hasina appeared in the dock along with co-accused ex-Health Minister Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim amid tight security.

Another accused Sheikh Rehana now living in London did not appear before the court. Prosecution sources said Rehana will be tried in absentia.

Witnesses said Hasina looked cheerful and confident when the prosecution read out the FIR. The case was filed against her on June 13 while she was arrested on July 16.