The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The High Court yesterday granted interim anticipatory bail to former ministers and BNP stalwarts M Shamsul Islam and MK Anwar on surrender in the Barapukuria coalmine graft case in which detained former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is the principal accused.

The HC also granted interim bail for six months to Khaleda's elder son and BNP senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman in an extortion case and to four other leaders and former

lawmakers of the party in separate cases.

An HC Division bench headed by Justice Tariq ul Hakim granted Tarique bail in the case of extorting money from Amin Mohammad Foundation.

It's one of over a dozen cases filed against him after his arrest amid a crackdown on politicians after the January 11, 2007 changeover that also threw his mother and younger brother Koko behind bars.

The interim bail for Shamsul Islam and MK Anwar continues until police submit the charge sheet to the court, court sources said.

Passing the orders upon separate petitions, a Division Bench comprising Justice Sharif Uddin Chaklader and Justice M Emdadul Haque Azad issued rules asking the Anti-Corruption Commission to explain why the petitioners should not be granted regular bail.

The ACC filed the case against detained BNP chairperson and ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and 15 others, including 10 former ministers from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

They are accused of causing a loss of over Tk 158.71 crore to the state coffer by awarding a Chinese company production, management and maintenance contract for the coalmine through "abuse of power".

Besides, former BNP lawmaker Moshiur Rahman secured interim bail from the High Court on surrender in connection with a murder case.

Meanwhile, the High Court upon separate petitions granted interim bail to Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal president Barkatullah Bulu, former BNP lawmakers Asadul Habib Dulu and Shahidul Islam Master in connection with corruption cases.

Granting interim bail, the Bench issued separate rules asking the ACC and the government to explain why the petitioners "should not be granted regular bail".

Barristers Rafique-ul Huq, Rafiqul Islam Mian, Mahbub Uddin Khokan and Ruhul Quddus Kazol appeared for the petitioners.