Hearing on charge framing August 4
A special court yesterday set August 4 for hearing on charge framing against Arafat Rahman Koko, younger son of detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, in connection with a corruption case.
Judge M Sirajul Islam of Special Court-7 set up on the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban premises fixed the date following time prayer by the defence.
As the court sat yesterday morning for the first time, defence counsels appealed for two weeks' adjournment saying they could not see necessary case documents.
The prosecution lawyer opposed the prayer. The court then fixed August 4 for hearing on charge framing.
Koko was represented by his lawyer as he is now staying abroad for medical treatment.
On April 23 this year, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy director Abu Sayeed filed the case against him with Ramna Police Station for amassing wealth worth Tk 2.23 crore through illegal means and holding back information on assets worth around Tk 11.20 lakh.
According to the case statement, Koko in his wealth statement to the ACC showed that he, his wife and two daughters own movable and immovable properties worth around Tk 8.08 crore.
However, an ACC investigation found that the assets belonging to the family are worth more than the declared amount.
It also gathered that Koko concealed information about a flat at Banani, loans from banks and remuneration and other benefits that he might have received from different businesses.
He also concealed information about 500 shares (Tk 100 each) he has in a business firm named Hasanco Aviation Ltd and two bank savings certificates (Tk 1 lakh each) under his wife's name.
His wife's investment of Tk 1.50 crore in a business and his expenses for 84 overseas trips between September 2003 and December 2006 did not match the couple's stated sources of income.
Meanwhile, another special court also started the hearing on charge framing against Jubo League General Secretary Mirza Azam in connection with a corruption case filed by ACC for amassing wealth by illegal means and hiding wealth information from the commission.
Judge Abu Hanif of Special Court-8 on the parliament complex fixed August 6 next date for hearing.
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