A Dhaka court on Tuesday sentenced BNP leader and former Dhaka City Corporation mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka to 13 years' imprisonment in absentia for amassing illegal wealth and concealing information in his wealth statement.

Judge Abu Ahmed Jamadar of Dhaka Special Judge's Court-3 pronouncing the verdict also fined him Tk 11 lakh, in default, to serve seven months more in jail.

On April 2, 2008, Assistant Director of Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Shamsul Alam  filed a graft case against Khoka, his wife Ishmat Ara, son Ishrak Hossain and daughter Sarika Sadeque for concealing information about his wealth worth Tk 96.5 million.

UNB adds, on July 1 of the same year, Shamsul, also investigation officer of the case, submitted the charge sheet against Khoka and his wife Ismat.

However, the High Court stayed the case proceedings against
Ismat Ara.

The judge pronounced the verdict after examining all documents and statements of 40 witnesses.

AH/TF/LY