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Khaleda Zia and All Accused Acquitted in Orphanage Trust Case
Rtv News
15 Jan 2025, 10:16
Photo: Collected
Khaleda Zia, along with Tarique Rahman and other defendants, has been acquitted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.
The verdict was announced on Wednesday morning (January 15) by the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed.
In its ruling, the court stated that the case was filed out of vengeance, leading to a defamation of Khaleda Zia.
Earlier, on Tuesday (January 14), the hearing on Khaleda Zia's appeal against the 10-year prison sentence handed down by the High Court in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case concluded.
The highest court held intense hearings over four days, with arguments presented by Begum Zia's lawyers, the prosecution, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) attorneys.
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In the case, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was sentenced to 10 years in prison, as was the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The lawyers had anticipated the acquittal of all defendants.
They argued that the then-Awami League government had engaged in a farce of justice to harass the Zia family.
The prosecution conceded that it was inappropriate to convict someone based on assumptions. The ACC maintained that the case records and evidence did not substantiate any corruption, irregularities, or breach of trust by Begum Zia or the other defendants.
On Tuesday, Kazi Salimul Haque’s lawyer, another defendant in the case, also pleaded for acquittal, marking the conclusion of the appeals hearing in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.
On February 8, 2018, Begum Zia was sent to prison in connection with the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Unprecedentedly, her sentence was increased by the High Court, leading to her serving two years, one month, and 13 days in prison.
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ACC Investigates Allegations of Embezzlement of Tk80,000 Cr Against Hasina
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to investigate allegations of embezzlement amounting to Tk80,000 crore from various projects against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Among these allegations, one involves the embezzlement of over $5 billion (approximately Tk59,000 crore) from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).
According to a senior ACC official, the decision was made on Tuesday (December 17) at the commission's headquarters.
The allegations are not limited to Sheikh Hasina but also involve her sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and niece Tulip Siddiq. The allegations include corruption in the Rooppur project as well as other initiatives like the Ashrayan Project.
Previously on December 15, the High Court issued a rule asking why ACC's inaction in investigating the alleged embezzlement of $5 billion from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) via a Malaysian bank by Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and niece Tulip Siddiq should not be declared illegal.
On September 3, a petition was filed by Bobby Hajjaj, Chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), seeking a directive for the ACC to investigate these allegations. The petition challenged the legality of ACC's inaction regarding corruption by Sheikh Hasina and her family members.
Notably, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government following the July Revolution, a report by the US-based media outlet Global Defense Corp on August 17 alleged that over $5 billion was embezzled from the Rooppur project. The report claimed that the implementing agency Rosatom facilitated this embezzlement through a Malaysian bank, allegedly involving Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and niece Tulip Siddiq.
The report also stated that the Rooppur project implemented with Russian collaboration, was budgeted at $12.65 billion—an amount significantly higher than required. Of this budget, $5 billion was reportedly embezzled through a Malaysian bank. Tulip Siddiq allegedly mediated the deal between Sheikh Hasina and Russia, receiving 30% of the embezzled funds along with Sheikh Rehana and other family members.
However, on August 20, Rosatom issued a statement denying all allegations mentioned in the Global Defense Corp report, stating that they were prepared to seek legal recourse to protect their reputation and interests.
School Admission Lottery Results Published: How to Check
Lottery results for admission to government and non-government schools (in metropolitan and district-level sub-divisional areas) for grades one through nine have been published.
The results were announced on Tuesday (December 17) at an event held in the auditorium of the International Mother Language Institute in the capital.
How to Check the Results:
The results of the digital lottery for admission can be accessed through the website https://gsa.teletalk.com.bd and via SMS on Teletalk mobile.
SMS Method:
Send GSAResultUser ID to 16222.
Admission Policy and Selection Process:
The selection process for the lottery adhered to government admission policies. Various quotas, including general, catchment area, children of freedom fighters/martyrs, disabled students, government primary school attendees, and other categories, were considered as per the guidelines.
The selection process was completed based on the availability of seats and the applicant’s class, shift, and preference order. Students were automatically selected through a software-driven random digital lottery process. The digital online lottery was supervised by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and the Bangladesh Computer Council to ensure 100% transparency.
Event and Key Officials:
The event’s chief guest was Professor Dr. M. Aminul Islam, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Education (Ministerial rank). The program was presided over by DSHE Director General (Routine Duty) Professor Md. Mozakkar Hossain Chowdhury.
Application Statistics for the 2025 Academic Year:
Under DSHE’s purview, online admission applications for the 2025 academic year were accepted from November 12 to November 31.
For 680 government schools, 635,072 applications were received for 108,716 available seats across grades one through nine.
For 3,198 non-government schools, 348,467 applications were submitted for 1,007,673 available seats.
The digital lottery method was used to allocate seats across classes for both government and non-government schools.
Dr. Yunus to Deliver Speech at Al-Azhar University Today
Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to deliver a speech at Egypt's Al-Azhar University in Cairo on Thursday, December 19. He is currently in Egypt on a two-day visit to attend the D-8 Summit.
Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, confirmed that Dr. Yunus will deliver the speech at the invitation of Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Mosque.
Earlier, Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb extended the invitation during a meeting with Dr. Yunus at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 12. The meeting took place during an international gathering where the Grand Imam requested Dr. Yunus to address the prestigious Egyptian university.
During his visit, the Chief Advisor will also participate in the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Summit, commonly known as the D-8 Summit, being held in Cairo on Thursday.
The Deputy Press Secretary added that, on the sidelines of the summit, Dr. Yunus will hold bilateral meetings with several heads of state from D-8 member countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
On Wednesday, December 18, at 11:00 AM local time, Dr. Yunus and his delegation arrived in Cairo. The Chief Advisor's flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:20 AM on Tuesday night, heading for Egypt.
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is a collaborative forum for economic development among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Bangladesh Wins The Economist's "Country of the Year" Title
As in previous years, British magazine The Economist has chosen the best country of the year. This year, Bangladesh has won the title of The Economist's Country of the Year 2024 for the student-led uprising that ended 15 years of autocratic rule.
According to a report published by The Economist on Thursday (December 19), five countries were in the final shortlist for the title of the best country of 2024. Besides Bangladesh, the other contenders were Syria, Argentina, South Africa, and Poland. After intense debate among The Economist's correspondents, Bangladesh was ultimately selected.
Syria was the runner-up for ousting Bashar al-Assad from power. Additionally, Argentina was recognized for its economic reforms, while South Africa and Poland were shortlisted for forming new governments in opposition to poor governance.
In its announcement, the British magazine clarified that the choice of the best country is not based on wealth, happiness, or moral superiority. Instead, the title is awarded to the country that has shown the most progress in the past 12 months.
Why Bangladesh Stood Out
In its report, The Economist stated, “Our winner this year is Bangladesh.” The report noted that in August, a student-led movement ousted Sheikh Hasina’s government, which had been in power for 15 years. Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of a freedom fighter, had once led Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth. However, over time, her rule turned increasingly repressive, with election rigging, jailing of opponents, and ordering security forces to shoot protesters. Corruption and misappropriation of funds also surged during her tenure.
The report also pointed out the challenges associated with Bangladesh’s political transition, mentioning the history of retaliatory violence during such periods. It described the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as corrupt and highlighted the threat posed by the rise of Islamist extremism. However, it praised the interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has received support from students, the military, businesses, and civil society. The interim administration has restored order and stabilized the economy.
The Economist's Perspective
The report emphasized that Bangladesh's progress is promising, but challenges remain. The country must restore its relationship with India in 2025 and decide when to hold elections. It must first ensure judicial impartiality and allow opposition parties to organize—none of which will be easy. Still, Bangladesh’s strides toward forming a more liberal government after toppling an autocrat make it deserving of the title this year.
Past Winners
In 2023, Greece won the Country of the Year title for overcoming a prolonged financial crisis and re-electing a moderate, centrist government. Previous winners have included Colombia for ending its civil war, Ukraine for resisting Russian aggression, and Malawi for its strides toward democratization.
Advisor Hasan Arif Passes Away
The Advisor for Civil Aviation and Tourism and Land in the caretaker government, A.F.M. Hasan Arif, has passed away (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un). He died of cardiac arrest on Friday (December 20) at LabAid Hospital in the capital.
The matter was confirmed by Md. Nasir Uddin, who served as the personal secretary to Hasan Arif at the Ministry of Land. He stated, "Hasan Arif passed away at 3:10 PM at LabAid Hospital."
On August 8, Hasan Arif was appointed as the Advisor for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives as well as the Ministry of Land in the caretaker government. Later, he was entrusted with the responsibilities of the Land Ministry and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
Hasan Arif was a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court. He began his legal career in 1970. From October 2001 to April 2005, he served as the Attorney General of Bangladesh. Additionally, he acted as the Legal Advisor to the caretaker government from 2008 to January 2009.
Hasan Arif was born in Kolkata in 1941. He completed his secondary and higher secondary education at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata. Later, he obtained his bachelor's and LLB degrees from the University of Calcutta. He began his legal career at the Calcutta High Court in 1967 and subsequently moved to Dhaka to practice law at the Bangladesh High Court.
Train Fare and Schedule on Dhaka-Khulna Route Via Padma Bridge
The schedule for train on the Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna and Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole routes via the Padma Bridge has been finalized. Starting December 24, two pairs of trains will operate through the Kashiani Junction in Gopalganj.
According to information provided by Bangladesh Railway on Saturday (December 21), a notice regarding this was issued on December 18.
The notice states that from December 24, a pair of new intercity trains will operate on the Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna route and another pair on the Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole route. According to the train schedule, the "Jahanabad Express" will depart Khulna at 6:00 am and reach Dhaka by 9:45 am. At 10:45 am, the "Ruposhi Bangla Express" will depart Dhaka for Benapole, reaching Benapole via Jessore Junction at 2:30 pm.
The "Ruposhi Bangla Express" will depart Benapole at 3:30 pm and arrive in Dhaka at 7:10 pm. The train will then depart Dhaka as the "Jahanabad Express" at 8:00 pm and reach Khulna by 11:40 pm.
The "Ruposhi Bangla Express" will stop at (up and down) Jessore Junction, Narail, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction, while the "Jahanabad Express" will stop at Noapara, Singia Junction, Narail, Lohagara, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.
Train services will remain closed on Mondays, and there will be 768 seats available. According to the schedule, the travel time from Dhaka to Benapole is set at approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, fares for the new Khulna-Dhaka route have also been determined by the railway department, though only the base fares have been published. Final fares, including VAT, are yet to be disclosed.
Fares (excluding VAT):
Dhaka-Khulna:
Shovon Chair: 445 BDT
Snigdha: 740 BDT
AC Seat: 885 BDT
AC Berth: 1,330 BDT
Khulna-Noapara & Singia:
Shovon Chair: 50 BDT
Snigdha: 100 BDT
AC Seat: 110 BDT
AC Berth: 130 BDT (Noapara), 150 BDT (Singia)
Khulna-Narail:
Shovon Chair: 75 BDT
Snigdha: 125 BDT
AC Seat: 150 BDT
AC Berth: 225 BDT
Khulna-Lohagara:
Shovon Chair: 95 BDT
Snigdha: 155 BDT
AC Seat: 185 BDT
AC Berth: 280 BDT
Khulna-Kashiani Junction:
Shovon Chair: 145 BDT
Snigdha: 235 BDT
AC Seat: 290 BDT
AC Berth: 425 BDT
Khulna-Bhanga:
Shovon Chair: 185 BDT
Snigdha: 305 BDT
AC Seat: 370 BDT
AC Berth: 555 BDT
Government-determined VAT will be added to all fares.
100 Garment Factories Shut in 6 Months, 50,000 Workers Jobless: BGMEA
The country’s readymade garment (RMG) industry, a major contributor to export earnings, continues to face a severe crisis. Issues such as worker unrest, energy shortages, and other challenges are plaguing the sector, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
In the last six months, approximately 100 garment factories have closed, leaving 50,000–60,000 workers unemployed. At least 158 factories are struggling to pay workers on time.
Factory owners claim that while larger factories receive attention and support, smaller factories are being neglected due to unfair policies by the government.
Azhar Khan, Chairman of Mithila Apparels, stated, “If the government ensures uninterrupted gas and electricity supply, this crisis can be mitigated, and we can survive. Operating with LPG gas significantly increases costs, making production unsustainable.”
BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel added, “Individual factories are in bad shape, and the overall situation is dire. Around 100 factories in Dhaka and Chattogram are shut, leaving 50,000–60,000 workers jobless. Furthermore, 158 factories cannot pay salaries properly.”
He criticized the disparity in government policies, saying, “Large companies like Beximco are receiving assistance by following regulations, but small and medium factories are overlooked. This unequal policy is unacceptable. Additionally, labor unrest persists despite a 9% wage increase.”
Rubel warned that buyers are shifting to other countries, with export volumes rising in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan. “We must act urgently to safeguard our industry,” he urged.
