Chattogram: A Chattogram court today recorded the statements of two more witnesses in the case filed against former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Jabed and 35 others over the alleged misappropriation and illicit transfer of Tk25 crore. The witnesses gave their statements before Chattogram Divisional Special Judge Mizanur Rahman's court.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, following the statements, defense lawyers cross-examined the witnesses in accordance with legal procedures. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Public Prosecutor Advocate Mokarram Hossain informed that the court has fixed September 21 for the next hearing on witness testimony. With today's testimonies, the total number of witnesses who have testified in the case has risen to 45.
The case involves allegations of financial crimes allegedly committed through an entity named Vision Trading. According to the case details, the accused allegedly circumvented United Commercial Bank (UCB) procedures to obtain a credit facility of Tk25 crore between October 2019 and February 2020. The amount was subsequently allegedly transferred abroad illegally through hundi, an informal money transfer system.
On March 11 this year, the court formally framed charges against all 36 accused, including the former minister. The prosecution has listed 92 witnesses to testify during the trial.