Files of Niko graft cases to be seized soon

Files and documents relating to the Niko graft cases filed against former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will be seized soon.
On December 9, ACC filed two separate cases against Khaleda, Hasina and eight others for alleged corruption and irregularities in awarding deals to Niko, a Canadian gas-and-oil-exploration company.
Sources said the files and documents concerning the Khaleda case would be seized within "two to four days" while those related to the case against Hasina would be seized within January 15.
"Letters have already been sent" to ministries concerned, Petrobangla and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration Company in this regard, the sources said.
After the files are seized, the investigation officers (IOs) will review them to determine as to whose statements will be required to record.
The IOs, ACC deputy directors Shabbir Hasan and Shahidur Rahman, are also expected to make spot visits in connection with the high-profile cases, filed amid the ongoing purge in the interim period.