HC asks Tarique to surrender in 3 cases

The High Court today directed BNP leader Tarique Rahman, who is now in London, to surrender before the lower court concerned by 30 days in three extortion cases.

The court also cancelled its earlier order that stayed the trial proceeding of five criminal cases – that includes the three extortion cases.

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The High Court bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah passed the order after hearing petitions filed by Tarique Rahman challenging the trial proceedings of the cases.

Deputy Attorney General Taposh Kumar Biswas told reporters that three extortion cases were filed with Gulshan, Shahbagh and Kafrul police stations against Tarique Rahman during the regime of military-backed caretaker government in 2007-08.

The other two cases were filed a Dhaka court against Tarique Rahman on charge of dodging taxes in 2007 and 2008.

The HC, in 2007 and 2008, following separate writ petition filed by Tarique Rahman, stayed the trial proceedings of the cases. The HC also issued separate rules asking the government to explain as to why the proceedings of the cases should not be quashed.

After holding hearing on the rule, the HC bench today passed the order.