The Niko corruption case was a politically motivated case against Khaleda Zia. This observation was made by Judge Robiul Islam of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 during the delivery of the verdict on Wednesday.
In the case, Khaleda Zia and seven other accused were acquitted. The judge briefly read out significant portions of the verdict.
The court stated that Khaleda Zia, the chairperson of the BNP, was wrongfully accused in the Niko corruption case with the intention of politically harassing her. The court affirmed that Khaleda Zia did not engage in any corruption or misuse of power.
The verdict further stated that not only Khaleda Zia but also the other accused in the case were not involved in any corruption.
The judge stated that the contract with Niko was made during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (1996-2001). Sheikh Hasina had signed the contract with Niko. When Khaleda Zia formed the government later, she upheld the international agreement. The judge emphasized that neither Khaleda Zia nor anyone else had any dishonest intentions in this regard.
In the court’s observations, it was further stated that neither Khaleda Zia nor the others involved in the case had committed any corruption or criminal breach of trust. They did not benefit personally from the contract with Niko and did not misuse their power.
The judge also noted that after the caretaker government of 2007 came to power, a corruption case was filed against Sheikh Hasina regarding Niko. Later, a similar case was filed against Khaleda Zia. After Sheikh Hasina formed the government, her case was dismissed by the higher court. Subsequently, the same case against Khaleda Zia and the other accused was kept ongoing with the intent of politically harassing them.
The court mentioned that the prosecution had completely failed to prove the charges against Khaleda Zia and the other seven accused beyond doubt, therefore, the accused were acquitted.
LND/SAKIB
