Finish trial in six months: HC

The High Court (HC) yesterday directed the lower court concerned to finish the trial of Barapukuria coal mine corruption case within six months.

The bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice KM Hafizul Alam passed the order after hearing a petition filed by former BNP minister Aminul Haque, an accused in the case, seeking cancellation of the proceedings.

The bench yesterday also rejected the petition and withdrew the stay order issued in 2008 on the proceedings of the graft case.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case in February 2008 accusing 16 persons including BNP chief Khaleda Zia and 10 of her cabinet colleagues of taking Tk 159 crore in kickbacks on Barapukuria coalmine deal, which was awarded to the highest bidder instead of the lowest.

Following a petition by Aminul, On September 2008, HC stayed the proceedings and issued a rule asking ACC and government to explain why the proceedings against him should not be scrapped.

Barrister Aneek R Haque, lawyer for Aminul, yesterday said that an appeal will be moved before the apex court challenging the HC verdict.

Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan appeared for ACC, while DAG AKM Amin Uddin Manik represented the state.