Ex-MP Mozammel Hossain acquitted in extortion Case

A Dhaka court has acquitted former lawmaker of Shariatpur-1 and Awami League Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Hossain in a case filed over an alleged Tk 2.5 million extortion demand.

Judge Mahmuda Akter of Dhaka’s 14th Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court passed this order on Sunday.

According to the defence, the complainant, businessman Khalilur Rahman, reached a settlement with the accused and testified before the court, stating that Mozammel was not guilty. Following his statement, the court acquitted the former MP.

Earlier, on April 1, the complainant told the court he had no objection to Mozammel’s acquittal after reaching an understanding.

The case alleged that ahead of the 2015 national election, Mozammel summoned the complainant to an office in Dhanmondi and demanded Tk 2.5 million for election expenses, threatening harm if the money was not paid. It was also alleged that the businessman later faced harassment and was forced to shut down his business.

Mozammel was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police from Niketan on October 5 last year and had been in custody since then.