Writ seeks enquiry into graft charges against Hasina

A writ has been filed with the High Court seeking its order to investigate allegations against former premier Sheikh Hasina and her aides of embezzling $5.0 billion from Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

The petition wants the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to set up an enquiry into the allegations of diverting money through Malaysian banks.

Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), filed the petition on Tuesday as public interest litigation.

His lawyer Shahedul Azam submitted the petition in the court.

Mr Hajjaj sought a rule upon the respondents to explain as to why their failure and inaction to prevent the alleged embezzlement from the project should not be declared illegal.

A prayer was also made to issue a rule upon the respondents to explain as to why their failure and inaction to initiate probe into widespread corruption allegations should not be declared illegal.

They also prayed to the HC to pass an order directing the respondents to take immediate steps to prevent any further embezzlement or illegal activities related to the nuke project.

Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Sajeeb Wajed Joy, Tulip Siddique, Tarique Ahmed Siddiqui, power secretary, science and technology secretary, home secretary, ACC chairman, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Nuclear Power Plant Company, project director of Rooppur Power Plant and others have been made respondents in the petition.

Barrister Azam told the FE that he would move the petition before the HC after its reopening following the upcoming annual vacation.

Both the appellate and HC divisions of the Supreme Court will go on annual vacation on September 06 and will reopen on October 20.

[email protected]