The Supreme Court today extended till January 8 its earlier order that stayed a High Court verdict granting bail to three owners of Apan Jewellers -- Dildar Ahmed, Gulzar Ahmed and Azad Ahmed -- in three money laundering cases.

A five-member bench of the Appellate Division Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, who is performing functions of the chief justice, passed the extension order following three separate petitions filed by the government seeking stay on the HC’s bail order.

The apex court has asked the government to submit three separate leave to appeal petitions to this court against the HC order by January 8.

Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Motahar Hossain Shaju told The Daily Star that owners of Apan Jewellers cannot get released from the jail following the SC order.

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

After a week, Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Mirza Hussain Haider extended the stay till today (January 2)

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.