The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A fast-track anti-graft court Monday framed charges of corruption against bigwigs like fugitive Harris Chowdhury, political secretary to ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, detained former Whip Ashraf Hossain, absconding business-magnet Obaidul Karim and another person involved in a luxury-car scam.

Passing the indictment orders, Judge Shamsunnahar Begum set January 10 for commencing the trial through recording depositions by the prosecution witnesses in the case.

The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case accusing Ashraf Hossain, Obaidul Karim and Harris Chowdhury of "illegally" selling and buying a tax-free car within three years of import under the special privilege of Members of Parliament.

According to the case, Ashraf's car was sold to Obaidul Karim, chairman of the Orion Group, who then offered the luxury vehicle to Harris, the then political secretary to ex-PM Khaleda Zia, allegedly in bribe to manage work order for Jatrabari flyover.

Harris and Karim have been hiding, reportedly abroad, since the army-led joint forces launched the ongoing operation against serious crime and corruption under the state of emergency in the interim period.