Koko challenges graft case
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's son Arafat Rahman Koko has filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the legality of the proceedings of a money laundering case against him.
Barrister Mahbubuddin Khokon on Sunday filed the writ petition on behalf of Koko, who is now in Bangkok for treatment after getting out of jail on parole, praying to the HC to quash the proceedings of the case.
The Anti-Corruption Commission on March 17 this year filed the case with Kafrul Police Station in Dhaka against Koko on charge of laundering money he had illegally taken from a Chinese company, Siemens and other sources in exchange for helping them get government contracts.
According to the case statement, Koko has illegally sent abroad 28,84,603.15 Singaporean dollars and 9,32,672.81 US dollars to hide his illegally earned money.
It was stated in the petition that the alleged offences mentioned in the case took place between 2001 and 2006, but the case was filed against Koko under the Money Laundering Act 2009, which was enacted this year.
No one can be tried for the offences under such a law that was enacted after the incident of offences took place, it said.
The petition also said continuing the case proceedings against Koko under the money laundering act is illegal as per provision of the constitution.
Khokon said that Koko has not been shown arrested in this case.
The case is now pending at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in Dhaka.
The HC bench of Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed and Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury yesterday started holding hearing of the petition.
During the hearing, Koko's counsel advocate TH Khan told the court that the case was filed against his client on political motive.
The court also adjourned the hearing until today as Attorney General Mahbubey Alam sought time to make preparation for placing arguments on behalf of the state.
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