Son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister sentenced to 7 years

Dhaka : The son of the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia has been sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for money laundering.The imprisonment to Tarique Rahman who is considered as the political heir of Khaleda Zia, has come as a shock to Zia and the main opposition party of the Bangladesh called Bangladesh National Party (BNP).

Tarique Rehman has been alleged for the crimes of money laundering and bribery amounting to $25 lakhs during the tenure of BNP in the year 2003 and 2007. Earlier, Dhaka’s lower court found Rehman guilty over this and awarded 7 years of jail term. But this verdict was challenged in the high court.

At present, Rahman lives in London. Bangladesh government is trying to extradite Rahman.After the verdict of the high court, Bangladesh government can request more prominently to the Britain for extradition of Rahman. The Bangladesh court has already declared Rahman absconding.

Meanwhile, apart from this Rahman has much serious allegations on him. In 2004, grenade attacks were launched on the rally of the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 24 were killed in this attack. Sheikh Hasina had a narrow escape. It is said that the mastermind behind this attack was Rahman.