Tarique's bail stands
The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday declined to stay the High Court (HC) orders granting bail to former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman in six cases.
Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Md Joynul Abedin however asked the government and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to file regular appeals against the bail orders after the apex court returns from 42-day annual vacation on October 12.
Defence counsels said the judge's decision means the HC orders allowing Tarique bail on health grounds stand, and there remains no legal bar to his release.
Tarique, detained at the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, has lately been granted bail by the HC in 12 cases and the SC in one.
Attorney General Salauddin Ahmed expressed disappointment at the court's refusal.
Earlier on Sunday, the government and the anti-graft body filed petitions with the SC for stay on bail orders in six cases.
Of the cases, two were lodged by the ACC on charges of amassing wealth through illegal means and keeping back assets information, and embezzling funds meant for Zia Orphanage Trust.
The other ones were filed by businessmen Amin Ahmed Bhuiyan, Harun Ferdousi, Khan Mohammad Aftabuddin and Abdul Monem on charges of extortion.
Tarique's lawyers Rafiqul Islam Mia and Mahbubuddin Khokon said the chamber judge has refused to grant the pleas for stay in light of the guidelines issued recently by the full-bench of Appellate Division on bail prayers.
According to the guidelines, the courts can order bail for an accused on health and humanitarian grounds.
Talking to reporters, Mia said in a civilised country there should not be politicking over a “seriously ill person” getting bail for treatment.
He urged all to show respect to the court orders.
The attorney general said the government is providing best possible treatment for Tarique at a hospital of his choice. Medical boards can recommend sending him abroad for treatment, and accordingly the government can make arrangements. Bail was not essential for that purpose.
He however observed that the chamber judge has followed principles earlier set by the Appellate Division regarding bail prayers.
During hearing, Salauddin said the HC orders should be put off to allow them enough time to file regular leave-to-appeal petitions.
The defence argued that the Appellate Division and the HC have ruled for bail after examining recommendations of a medical board and this court should not stay the orders.
Tarique was arrested by the joint forces on March 7 last year in an anti-graft drive by the military-backed caretaker government.
Of the 13 cases against him, nine were filed by police and individuals on various charges including extortion, three by the ACC on charges of graft, and one by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for tax evasion.
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