A Dhaka court has sentenced former Awami League lawmaker Mizanur Rahman, from Khulna-2 constituency, to eight years in prison for illegally acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income.
However, his total prison term will be a maximum of five years as the sentences under two separate sections will run concurrently, according to his lawyers.
Judge Muhammad Abu Taher of Dhaka’s Special Judge's Court-3 delivered the verdict on Thursday.
Mizanur Rahman was sentenced to three years in prison under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, along with a fine of Tk20,000. In default, he will serve three more months in prison.
Under Section 27(1) of the ACC Act, he was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Tk30,000. In default, he will serve an additional three months in prison.
The court also ordered the confiscation of Tk1.44 crore of his undeclared wealth in favour of the state.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case against Mizanur Rahman on August 6, 2019, at its Integrated Dhaka District Office-1.
ACC Director Md Manjur Morshed accused him of illegally acquiring assets worth Tk1.58 crore, and concealing wealth information worth Tk20 lakh.
Following the investigation, the ACC submitted a charge sheet on August 23, 2021. During the trial, the court recorded testimonies from 11 witnesses.
Mizanur Rahman was on bail but was sent to jail on January 23 after the court revoked his bail.
He was brought to court from prison on Thursday for the verdict announcement. After the ruling, he was taken back to jail under a warrant of execution.
Following the verdict, defence lawyer Salah Uddin Khan said: "This case was filed due to political vendetta against him. Mizanur Rahman was a former MP and has been accused of possessing Tk1.58 crore in undeclared assets, which is not true. We have been denied justice in this verdict. We will appeal to the High Court and hope to get justice there."
