The High Court of Bangladesh made a significant decision today, overturning the convictions of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his wife Zubaida Rahman in a corruption case that was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) during the 2007 caretaker government. Justice Md Khashruzzaman presided over the bench and delivered the verdict after hearing Zubaida’s appeal.
Previously, Tarique had been sentenced to nine years in prison, while Zubaida received a three-year sentence in the case by a lower court. The charges against them included allegations of amassing wealth beyond their known sources of income and concealing information about their assets.
Senior lawyer SM Mahzahan spoke to reporters after the ruling, stating, “Tarique Rahman did not appeal in this particular case. However, he had previously been acquitted by the Supreme Court in the August 21 grenade attack case and another money laundering case. Following those precedents, the High Court has now declared Tarique and Zubaida Rahman fully acquitted in this case as well.”
Mahzahan went on to criticize the trial and verdict of the lower court, claiming that they were motivated. He emphasized that the High Court’s decision effectively clears both Tarique and Zubaida of all charges in this case.
Furthermore, Mahzahan confirmed that there are no other pending cases in which either Tarique Rahman or Dr. Zubaida Rahman have convictions. He affirmed, “They have been acquitted in all cases.” This latest development marks a significant legal victory for the prominent political figures in Bangladesh.
