BNP’s Annie acquitted in corruption case

A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie in a graft case filed over amassing wealth illegally and concealing information.

Judge Md Zakaria Hossain of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-6 delivered the verdict today (23 July), stating the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Confirming the matter, defence counsel Mahi Uddin Chowdhury said, "The court acquitted Annie as the state failed to substantiate the allegations."

Annie was present in court during the verdict announcement.

Earlier on 16 July, following the completion of arguments from both sides, the court set 23 July for the verdict.

The case was filed by ACC Deputy Director Md Manjur Morshed with Ramna Police Station on 9 October 2014.

According to the case statement, Aynie concealed information on Tk13.13 lakh in his asset declaration submitted to the ACC. This included Tk3.13 lakh as registration fee for land purchase and Tk10 lakh donated to a school in Kushakhali, Lakshmipur.

Investigators claimed to have found evidence of Tk1.4 crore in unexplained wealth, alleging Annie acquired assets worth Tk3.75 crore, against liabilities of Tk50 lakh. Deducting liabilities, his net wealth stood at Tk3.25 crore, while his 2013 declaration listed assets worth Tk1.76 crore.

On 24 May 2016, the special court framed charges and initiated trial proceedings. Later, on 1 September 2016, Annie petitioned the High Court to stay the trial and sought dismissal of the case.

The High Court stayed the proceedings and issued a rule, which was withdrawn on 14 May 2019. The court also directed the lower court to dispose of the case within six months.

Out of 12 witnesses listed by the prosecution, nine testified during the trial.