Decision on charge framing Feb 17

A Dhaka court yesterday set February 17 to decide whether charges will be framed against 23 people, including Hallmark Group Chairman Jasmine Islam and Managing Director Tanvir Mahmud, accused in 11 cases filed for swindling over Tk 2,600 crore out of Sonali Bank.  

After completion of the arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, Judge Md Kamrul Hossain Mollah of the Senior Special Judge's Court set the date for delivering its decision.   

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Of the 23, two accused, including Jasmine, are now on bail while six others, including Tanvir, are in jail.

Fifteen others have been absconding.

During the yesterday's hearing, defence lawyers for eight accused except the fugitives placed their submissions for discharging their clients while the prosecution prayed for framing charges against all the accused including the eight. 

Earlier on October 7, 2013, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) submitted charge sheets against Jasmine, Tanvir and 23 others in 11 corruption cases.

Later, the names of two Sonali Bank officials were dropped from the cases as they died after their arrest.

On October 4 in 2012, the ACC filed 11 cases with Ramna Police Station against 27 top officials of Sonali Bank and Hallmark Group on charges of misappropriating over Tk 1,568 crore.