The Supreme Court today extended till January 2 next year its earlier order that stayed the High Court verdict granting bail to three owners of Apan Jewellers -- Dildar Ahmed, Gulzar Ahmed and Azad Ahmed -- in three money laundering cases.

Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Mirza Hussain Haider passed the order following three leave to appeal petitions filed by the government challenging the High Court’s bail order.

The chamber judge also sent the leave to appeal petitions to the full bench of the Appellate Division for their hearing on January 2.

On December 14, the HC granted bail to Dildar, Gulzar and Azad in the three money laundering cases.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate sued the three on August 12. Three cases were lodged with Dhanmondi, Ramna and Uttara police stations and two with Gulshan Police Station.

According to the case statements, the owners imported around 15 maunds of gold and diamonds by “dodging tax”.

Dildar Ahmed Selim, father of the double-rape case accused Shafat Ahamed, has been made an accused in three cases while Gulzar and Azad in two other cases.