The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bdnews24.com, Barisal

A Dhaka court sentenced former chief whip Abul Hasnat Abdullah to 14 years rigorous imprisonment in two separate corruption cases yesterday

The special judge's court gave the sentence, which included a Tk 1 lakh fine or an additional 1 year 6 months in jail on non-payment, in Hasnat's absence after hearing evidence from five out of seven witnesses.

The fugitive general secretary of Awami League's Barisal unit, already faces 22 years in two other cases, with his total prison term now standing at 36 years to commence from the day of his arrest or surrender.

Joint forces raided Hasnat's Barisal home on Octob 22 2002, and discovered 355 blank freedom fighter certificates signed by the general secretary, a gold plated ornamental boat and Tk 6.13 lakh in cash.