Extortion case filed against Hasina

Dhaka, Apr 9 (UNI) An extortion case was today filed against Bangladesh former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for approving a power project worth more than 4 lakh US dollars during her tenure as Prime Minister in 1998.

Tajul Islam Faruque, Chairman of Westmont Power Plant, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based power company, filed the case against Hasina.

Hasina, President of Awami League party, will be debarred from contesting the next general elections, if found guilty could be sentenced for two years.

The police said during her tenure as Prime Minister in 1998, Hasina received the money from Faruque through one of her close aides in awarding a 90-MW power plant set up in northern district of Pabna.

The money was allegedly handed over by Faruque to Hasina at her official residence of Gano Bhaban (People's House) in December 1998.

If the prima facie is established after investigation, warrant of arrest will be issued against her to appear before the court.

Hasina, who is in Florida, US recently made some critical comments against the caretaker government and the election commission for delaying the general elections on different pretexts.

The general election originally slated for January 22 last is now postponed for an indefinite period under the State of Emergency decalred by the army-backed caretaker government of Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.

Besides, political sources hinted that the case might have filed to prevent Hasina to return to Bangladesh.

Local newspapers speculate that two former Prime Ministers--BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina--might be debarred from active politics in Bangladesh on charge of patronising corruption at state level.

UNI