Former Awami League MP from Khulna-2, Mizanur Rahman, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for acquiring illegal assets beyond his known income. The court also ordered the confiscation of over 1.44 crore taka of illicit wealth.
On Thursday, January 30, the Special Judge Court-3 in Dhaka, led by Judge Muhammad Abu Taher, convicted former Member of Parliament Mizanur Rahman in a case involving illegal wealth accumulated beyond his known income. The court sentenced him to 8 years in prison, with 3 years under one section and 5 years under another. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of 1 crore 44 lakh 50 thousand 989 taka in illicit assets.
Before the verdict, Mizanur Rahman was brought from jail to the court, and after the judgment, he was sent back to prison. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutor, Mir Ahmed Ali Salam, confirmed this development.
The case dates back to August 6, 2019, when the ACC filed a case against Mizanur Rahman for accumulating illegal wealth. An investigation into the matter led to the submission of a charge sheet in August 2021. The charges included the illegal acquisition of 1 crore 58 lakh 57 thousand 981 taka and the concealment of assets worth 20 lakh taka. Throughout the trial, the court heard testimonies from 11 witnesses.
In the aftermath of the verdict, Mizanur Rahman’s defense lawyer, Salah Uddin Khan, argued that the case was politically motivated, claiming that the ruling government was using it to sideline his client from the political arena. He added that they would appeal the decision in the higher courts.
Liberty News’ court correspondent reports that the court also imposed travel bans on several other individuals, including former MPs and their spouses, in connection with ongoing investigations into similar corruption and illegal wealth cases. The court ordered the travel restrictions following requests from the ACC to prevent these individuals from leaving the country while investigations continue.
LND/BAIZID
