Farmers Bank Scam: HC rejects bail of ex-audit chief

The High Court today rejected a bail petition filed by Mahabubul Haque Chisty, former chairman of Farmers Bank Audit Committee, in a Tk 160-crore laundering case, blocking the way of his walk out of jail.

The bench of Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice SM Kuddus Zaman passed the order after holding final hearing on the petition.

Mahabubul Haque Chisty cannot get release from jail following the HC order, Anti- Corruption Commission’s lawyer Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan told The Daily Star.

On April 10 this year, the ACC filed the case with Gulshan Police Station, accusing six persons, including Mahbubul.

The other accused are: Mahabubul’s wife Ruzi Chisty and son Rashedul Haque Chisty, the bank’s Senior Vice President Zia Uddin Ahmed and First Vice President Muhammad Masudur Rahman Khan, and former manager of the bank’s Gulshan Corporate Branch Delwar Hossain.

The ACC found that between November 18, 2013 and January 30 this year, Tk 138.82 crore was deposited with the current accounts of Bakshiganj Jute Spinners Ltd, owned by Mahabubul’s son, wife and daughter, at Farmers Bank’s Bakshiganj and Gulshan branches.

Later, the entire amount was withdrawn in cash.

Mahbubul, Rashedul, Zia and Masudur landed in jail on April 10 after the ACC arrested them in connection with the money laundering case.

Ruzi Chisty secured bail from the HC and a lower court in the case.

Following the bail petition filed by Mahbubul, the HC on June 6 issued a rule asking the government and ACC to explain why Mahabubul should not be granted bail in the case.

The HC today heard arguments on the rule and rejected the petition. Barrister Moudud Ahmed appeared for Mahbubul.