The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday rejected the bail petition of former prime minister and Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina in an extortion case filed by businessman Noor Ali.

A five-member Appellate Division bench, headed by chief justice MM Ruhul Amin, delivered the verdict after concluding the hearing on the bail appeal.

Barrister Shafiqe Ahmed, Hasina's lawyer termed the verdict unexpected one and regretted that while the court was allowing bail to the convicted people, Hasina's bail appeal has been rejected. "It is really shocking," he noted.

Attorney general Salauddin Ahmed said the court rejected the appeal on the basis of a majority ruling by the judges. Earlier during the hearing, Hasina's senior counsel Barrister Rafique-ul-Huq said that the court should allow bail considering his client's illness.

Mentioning that Hasina was abroad for treatment on parole, Huq said: "Parole is meant for temporary release only while bail is a matter of consideration for permanent release by the court."

The High Court had previously rejected Hasina's bail appeal on Sept 29 on her petition filed challenging the merit of the case. Later Sheikh Hasina appealed to the Appellate Division against the High Court order on Oct 5.

Unique Group chairman Noor Ali filed the Tk 5 crore case on June 13 last year against Hasina, her cousin Sheikh Helal and his wife Rupa Chowdhury.

The High Court on Aug 7 last year, allowed Hasina's bail but the Appellate Division on Aug 27 stayed the bail order.

The former prime minister was arrested on July 16 last year and allowed temporary release on June 11 this year to seek medical treatment abroad.

Acting AL president Zillur Rahman said the rejection of Hasina"s bail has equally shocked the party leaders, activists and the people of he country.