Bangladeshi-Begums

One of Bangladesh's two “battling begums” went on trial for extortion recently, as part of the emergency Government's plan to break their-stranglehold on politics.

Sheikh Hasina Wajed, a former Prime Minister, has been in detention since July, accused with her sister and cousin of extorting $440,000 from a businessman while in power between 1996 and 2001.

Khaleda Zia — her arch rival and another former Prime Minister — is awaiting trial on similar corruption charges dating back to her last term in office, in 2001-06.

Only a few hours after Mrs Wajed's trial began yesterday, it was adjourned so that judges could hear an appeal from her lawyers. They say that she is being tried under emergency laws for a crime that was allegedly committed before emergency rule began.

“The High Court has stayed the trial on this extortion case until it gives a decision on Hasina's prayer,” Rafiqul Haque, one of her lawyers, told reporters.

Mrs Wajed, the head of the Awami League, is accused of taking $440,000 in kickbacks from a businessman in return for allowing a floating power plant to be built.

Her sister, Sheikh Rehana, who is currently in London, is being tried in absentia.

Mrs Wajed faces a second charge, due in court soon, involving the alleged extortion of $735,000 from another businessman while in office. Mrs Zia, head of the Bangladesh National Party, is accused of taking kickbacks in office from a local firm while awarding contracts for container handling work at Bangladesh's main port.

The begums could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted.

Via The Times