A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to Hall-Mark Group Chairperson Jesmin Islam subject to payment of Tk one billion every month until their outstanding loan payment of Tk 2,600 crore is completed. Judge Md Jahurul Haque of Dhaka’s Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court passed the order after hearing on a bail petition filed on behalf of the accused.
On February 7, the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court had granted bail to Jesmin Islam, arrested on October 17 last year in connection with the Hall-Mark loan scam.
Responding to a writ petition, the High Court on February 11 issued a rule upon the government to explain why Jesmin’s bail would not be cancelled and asked the government to take necessary measures so that she cannot leave the country.
On February 13, the HC summoned the Judge to explain his order granting bail to accused Jesmin Islam.
Later, the Judge recalled its bail order and ordered that Jesmin be sent to jail.
On October last year, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) filed 11 cases against seven people of Hall-Mark Group including Jesmin Islam and a dozen officials of Sonali Bank for swindling out Tk 2600 crore from the Ruposhi Bangla branch of state-run Sonali Bank. –
Several Hall-Mark officials, including its Managing Director Tanvir Mahmud, husband of Jesmin, are now in custody in connection with the Hall-Mark scandal. – Court Correspondent
