A Dhaka court on Sunday acquitted former Shariatpur-1 lawmaker and Awami League organising secretary BM Mozammel Haque in a case filed over allegations of demanding Tk 25 lac as extortion.
Judge Mahmudah Akter of the 14th Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court delivered the verdict.
Mozammel Haque’s lawyer, Liton Mia, said his client was produced before the court in connection with what he described as a “false extortion case.” He added that the complainant was also present in court and that the matter had already been settled between the two parties.
According to the defence lawyer, after charges were framed in the case, the complainant recorded his deposition before the court and stated that Mozammel was innocent. Following the statement, the court delivered its verdict acquitting the former MP.
Earlier, on April 1, the complainant, businessman Khalilur Rahman, told the court that he had reached an amicable settlement with the accused and had no objection to Mozammel’s acquittal. Court office assistant Saidur Rahman confirmed the development.
According to the case filed by Khalilur Rahman, ahead of the 2015 national election, Mozammel allegedly summoned him to an office in Dhanmondi through activists affiliated with the Awami League and its student wing.
The complaint alleged that Mozammel demanded Tk 25 lac from him as election expenses and gave him three days to pay, threatening enforced disappearance if the demand was not met.
The case also alleged that after the election, the former MP pressured the local business community in Shariatpur and made various complaints and threats against the businessman, ultimately forcing him to shut down his business.
