The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has declined to grant bail to Jasmine Islam, Chairperson of Hallmark Group, in a case involving the embezzlement of Tk85.87 crore and 33 lakh 616 from Janata Bank.
On Thursday (28 November) the five-member Appellate Division bench, headed by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, issued this order, directing the petitioner to return for a bail hearing after three months.
During the proceedings, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, representing Jasmine Islam, argued that the case, filed under a law prescribing a maximum sentence of seven years, has already seen her detained for eight years. He requested her release on bail, citing this discrepancy and the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) delay in filing a charge sheet.
In response, ACC counsel Advocate Asif Hasan informed the court that the investigating officer had submitted the charge sheet on 30 October.
However, its approval is pending due to the absence of an active commission.
The Appellate Division subsequently adjourned the bail hearing for three months.
Earlier, in 2022, the High Court had denied bail to Jasmine Islam in the same case, prompting her legal team to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
The case pertains to the misappropriation of Tk85.87 crore and 33 lakh 616 through fraudulent Letters of Credit (LCs) issued against Janata Bank.
On 10 March 2019, the High Court had issued a rule granting her bail, which was later overturned by the Appellate Division on 16 June the same year. The Supreme Court had directed her to surrender within four weeks, which she subsequently complied with.
Following her surrender, Jasmine Islam sought bail from the High Court, which then issued a rule in her favour. However, the case has continued to face delays, leaving the accused in detention for an extended period.
Representing Jasmine Islam, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal argued her case, while Advocate Asif Hasan appeared on behalf of the ACC.
