The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The verdict on a graft case against former President and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad over installation of digital telephone exchanges has been deferred to February 2, 2009.

Divisional Special Judge Md Golam Mortuza Majumder yesterday shifted the date of verdict following a time-petition filed by defence lawyers.

The graft case against Ershad was filed on September 5, 1992.

According to the case statement, Ershad directed the authorities concerned to take loan from France instead of grant from Finland, as decided by the authorities, for setting up digital telephone exchanges in 89 upazilas.

Due to Ershad's unilateral decision, the case statement said, the government had to pay Tk 28.62 crore to France in interest, as the plan was not implemented finally, sources said.

The investigation officer of the case submitted a charge sheet against Ershad and four others on July 31, 1995.