DHAKA, Feb 4 (Agencies): The trial of Bangladesh's detained former premier Sheikh Hasina in a major corruption case was adjourned until tomorrow after prosecution and defence lawyers were locked in heated arguments over the cross-examination of the plaintiff.
Metropolitan session's judge M Azizul Haque was forced to adjourn the hearing of the corruption case, in which the Awami League leader has been accused of extorting nearly about USD 435,000 by a power company owner, as the defence lawyers objected the prosecution's move to record the plaintiff, a Bangaldeshi businessman for the second day today.
The defence lawyers said they were supposed to cross- examine the businessmen Ajam J Chowdhury, while the prosecution said he could not complete his deposition during the previous day's hearing.
They demanded that the today's statement given by Chowdhury be withdrawn saying otherwise the court's neutrality will be questioned.
Hasina, who was present at the court said she would not leave the dock unless the judge except a petition by her lawyer's demanding the withdrawal of today's statement.
Chowdhury has alleged that Sheikh Selim, Hasina's cousin and co-accused former Bangladesh minister, forced him to pay nearly about USD 435,000 to clear a power project, saying part of the payment would have to be paid to Hasina, the then prime minister of the country.
Hasina was arrested on July 16 as part of the massive anti-graft campaign launched by the interim government after its installation on January 12, 2007 in line with the case.
