The
Supreme Court (SC) declined to stay the High Court (HC) orders granting bail to
former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman in six cases.
Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Md Joynul Abedin however asked
the government and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to file regular appeals
against the bail orders after the apex court returns from 42-day annual
vacation on October 12.
Defence counsels said the judge's decision means the HC orders allowing Tarique
bail on health grounds stand, and there remains no legal bar to his release.
Tarique, detained at the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
University Hospital, has lately been granted bail by the HC in 12 cases and the
SC in one.
Attorney General Salauddin Ahmed expressed disappointment at the court's
refusal.
Earlier on Sunday, the government and the anti-graft body filed petitions with
the SC for stay on bail orders in six cases.
Of the cases, two were lodged by the ACC on charges of amassing wealth through
illegal means and keeping back assets information, and embezzling funds meant
for Zia Orphanage Trust.
