ACC challenges Mannan's bail

The Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday filed an appeal with a Dhaka court for cancelling the bail of former state minister for housing and public works Abdul Mannan Khan in a case over amassing illegal wealth.

Public Prosecutor Kabir Hossain submitted the appeal before the Senior Special Judge's Court of Dhaka challenging the legality of the bail order that was passed by a lower court.

In his appeal, Kabir said the lower court had no jurisdiction to grant bail to any accused in corruption cases, adding that only the special judge could grant bail in such cases. But the lower court had granted bail to Mannan violating the provisions of the existing law.    

Admitting the appeal, the court yesterday fixed November 18 for hearing.    

Earlier on August 24, Metropolitan Magistrate Md Emdadul Haque granted bail to the Awami League leader considering his illness, status as a former minister and no scope for him to leave the country.

According to the case filed by the ACC on August 21, Mannan concealed information of his property worth Tk 4.59 lakh and could not produce documents on his income of Tk 75 lakh.