DHAKA:  Dhaka Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka and 12 others sued of late in a graft case by the Anti-Corruption Commission Monday secured anticipatory bail from the High Court.

A division bench, comprising Justice Afzal Hossain Ahmed and Justice Mohammad Abdul Hafiz, set them at large on four-month bail as they appeared before the court in person and prayed for bail to avert arrest.

The court also issued a rule upon the government and the ACC to explain within three weeks why the accused should not be given regular bail.

Barrister Rafique-ul Haque stood for the defendants as chief counsel while Advocate Anisul Haque for the plaintiff. Advocate Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Advocate Ruhul Quddus Kajol accompanied the defence lawyer.

Harun-or Rashid, Deputy Director of the ACC, filed the case with Shahbagh Thana on June 29 on charge of appointing five officers “violating” the Dhaka City Corporation Act.

Advocate Ruhul Quddus Kajal told banglanews24.com.bd, “The mayor and other accused secured the bail for avoiding harassment.”

BDST: 1430 Hrs, JULY 5,2010