Verdict to be announced for Papiya couple’s illegal asset case today

A Dhaka court is set to deliver its verdict today (14 August) in a graft case against expelled Jubo Mohila League leader Shamima Nur Papiya and her husband Mofizur Rahman over allegations of amassing Tk6.24 crore in illegal wealth.

Judge Mohammad Abu Taher of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-3 will pronounce the judgement.

The couple, who are out on bail, are expected to be present in court.

The case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on 4 August 2020, following their arrest by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on 22 February that year.

ACC Deputy Director Shahin Ara Momtaz lodged the case under Section 27(1) of the ACC Act 2004. Charges were framed on 30 November 2021, and trial began soon after.

According to the charge sheet, between 12 October 2019 and 22 February 2020, Papiya stayed in 25 rooms at the Westin Dhaka hotel, paying over Tk3.23 crore in cash for accommodations, food, alcohol, spa services, laundry, and minibar expenses.

She also spent nearly Tk40 lakh on shopping during the same period, without showing any legal source for the funds.

Investigators said they found no valid explanation for Tk30 lakh paid in house rent over five years, Tk1 crore invested in a car business, Tk20 lakh invested in KMC Car Wash Solution in Narsingdi, and over Tk30.52 lakh deposited in bank accounts held by the couple.

A RAB raid on her home recovered Tk58.41 lakh in cash and a Honda CVA 2012 model car worth Tk22 lakh, both without proven legal origins.

During closing arguments on a hearing on 7 August, ACC prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir sought the maximum sentence for the accused.

Meanwhile, defence counsel Shakhawat Ullah Bhuiyan, however, said they were unable to present a full argument as the court had denied their request for more preparation time.