The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

A Dhaka court yesterday sentenced Islami Oikyo Jote leader Mufti Shahidul Islam to 10 years rigorous imprisonment on charges of amassing illegal wealth.

Judge Md Sirajul Islam, of Special Judge's Court -7 on the Sangsad Bhaban premises, also fined Shahidul Tk 10 lakh or another year in prison on failure to pay the fine.

As Shahidul is presently behind bars, the sentence is effective from the day he was detained.n The Anticorruption Commission filed the case with Mohammadpur Police Station against the former lawmaker from Narail, and his wife Nadira Begum, on August 5, last year.

The ACC after investigation pressed charges against Shahidul for obtaining illegal wealth amounting to Tk 29 lakh beyond his known sources of income.

His wife's name was dropped from the charge sheet.

Charges were framed on Jan 31 this year, and witness depositions began on Feb 3. Some 25 witnesses testified on behalf of the state.

On Feb 18 last year, the ACC made a list of 50 corruption suspects that included politicians and government officials.

They were asked to submit accounts of their moveable and immoveable assets within 72 hours. Shahidul was on the list.

The judge set the verdict date after hearing from closing arguments in the case on March 16.