The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Barrister Shafique Ahmed, senior counsel for detained Awami League president Sheikh Hasina yesterday claimed that there is no single ingredient to implicate her in the barge-mounted power plant corruption case.

Making his submission to a special court, he alleged that a powerful shadow behind the government is trying to victimize the politicians through such defamation for de-politicization.

He said the prosecution has not been able to show any wrong done in awarding the barge-mounted power plant in Khulna. The private sector plant, he said, helped meeting serious power deficit during ex-Prime Minister Hasina's rule.

As Hasina appeared at 9:35 am, the special court of judge M Firoz Alam resumed after five minutes.

"No favour was given in exchange of setting up the power plant," Barrister Shafique told the court. He said the work order was given maintaining all rules and formalities of the government.

He said as a Prime Minister Hasina did not receive an gratification from the agreement with barge-mounted power plant company. The company paid the money as donation to purchase an annexed land for expansion of the Bangabandhu Memorial Trust and the money was received by the owners of the land.

"Here there is no question of taking gratification by the former Prime Minister," he asserted.

Narrating his personal experience for conducting Hasina's case, he said "we're at risk to defend my client."

The Other day, Barrister Shafique said the same powerful shadow compelled them to postpone the Supreme Court Bar Association elections.

"I was taken to a Gulshan house where I was questioned why being a counsel for Hasina, I am contesting in the election," he said, adding that he never ever faced such situation in his long legal practice.

The defence discharge hearing remains inconclusive. It was adjourned till April 15. Adv Yusuf Hossain Humayun and Barrister Towfiq Newaz aided Barrister Shafique.