Extortion case filed against Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka, Apr 9 (UNI) The army-backed interim caretaker government today filed an extortion case against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Tajul Islam Farooq, a businessman, filed the extortion case against Hasina for accepting money for approving a power project during her tenure as Prime Minister in 1998.

Hasina, president of the Awami League party, will be debarred from contesting the general election if court finds her guilty.

Hasina had left for the US on March 15 for a month's visit to meet her children. She will return to Dhaka on April 23.

Political sources hint the case might prevent her from returning to Bangladesh and bar her from contesting the general election, the date of which has not yet been fixed.

The President of the Awami League was also criticised for making critical comments against the caretaker government and the Election Commission for 'delaying' the general election on different pretexts.

The election, which was originally scheduled for January 22, has been postponed for an indefinite period under the State of Emergency.

The case was filed under the Tejgaon police station in the capital under sections 385, 386, 387 and 109 of the Bangladesh Penal Code (BPC), which are non-bailable.

According to the police, during her tenure as Prime Minister in 1998, Hasina acquired the money through one of her close aides for approving a power project in favour of Mr Farooq. The money was allegedly handed over to her at her official residence of Gano Bhaban (People's House).

If the allegation is proved after preliminary investigation, the police will issue an arrest order.

Under the BPC, a person can be sentenced to five years in jail.

As per a provision in the Constitution, a person will not be eligible for contesting the general elections if he or she is convicted for at least two years on charges of moral turpitude.

UNI