The High Court has acquitted contractor Golam Kibria Shamim, popularly known as GK Shamim, from a 10-year sentence in a money laundering case.
Along with him, his seven bodyguards, who were sentenced to four years each, have also been cleared of all charges.
A High Court bench comprising Justice ASM Abdul Mobin and Justice Mohammad Javid Hossain passed the verdict on Thursday.
On July 17, 2023, Judge Mohammad Nazrul Islam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-10 sentenced GK Shamim to 10 years in prison in a case filed under the Money Laundering Act.
His seven bodyguards had each received a four-year sentence. The court had also imposed a collective fine of Tk 3.83crore on the group, in default, have to serve an additional one-year imprisonment.
The convicted bodyguards were identified as Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Mohammad Morad Hossain, Mohammad Zahidul Islam, Mohammad Shahidul Islam (also known as Sharif), Mohammad Kamal Hossain, Mohammad Shamsad Hossain, and Mohammad Anisul Islam.
The High Court’s verdict also ordered the release of all the seized bank accounts and immovable properties of the accused.
Following the ruling, the defense team, which included senior lawyers Ruhul Quddus, Parvez Hossain, Mohammad Zahid Hossain Dolon, Mohammad Jobayer Hossain Sajib, and Mohammad Ziaur Rashid Tipu, expressed satisfaction with the acquittal.
On September 20, 2019, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted a raid on Shamim’s business establishment in Niketan, Gulshan, amid anti-casino allegations.
During the raid, RAB recovered large amounts of cash, fixed deposits, firearms, and liquor, leading to the arrest of GK Shamim and his bodyguards. Several cases were subsequently filed against them in connection with illegal activities, including allegations related to casino operations