DHAKA, Bangladesh - The Bangladesh Supreme Court has denied bail to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been held since mid-July on corruption charges.
In its ruling, the high court granted the government’s appeal to reverse a lower court’s decision that granted bail to her, Bangladesh’s Daily Star reported Tuesday. The ruling means she may have to stay in jail for an indefinite period as Bangladesh is under emergency rule by a military-backed interim government.
Since taking power in January, the government has been cracking down on some of the past leaders including Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the country’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who heads the Awami League party. She has denied the charges against her.
The high court also stayed another lower court order, saying Sheikh Hasina must declare her wealth.
The latest rulings would allow the trial courts to proceed with extortion cases under the emergency rules with a defendant having no right to bail, the report said.
Sheikh Hasina’s lawyers have said they will continue their effort to secure her freedom.
Khaleda Zia, another former prime minister and Sheikh Hasina’s political rival, is also facing criminal charges of tax evasion.
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