DHAKA, 21 July 2007 — The army-led joint securaity forces seized vital documents relating to the controversial purchase of MiG-29 and frigate in a raid on former Prime Minister Hasina Wajed’s residence shortly before her arrest on Monday, sources in Dhaka said yesterday. Hasina is facing two corruption cases that allege she received kickbacks in the MiG-29 and frigate purchase deal while she was prime minister from 1996 to 2001.
Security forces also seized 36 check books of different banks from Hasina’s library located on the third floor of her Sudha Sadan residence in Dhaka.
A few check books indicated some 300 million taka were withdrawn from banks. The remaining check books are being examined, sources said.
Security forces also took into their custody a licensed pistol found in the former premier’s residence.
Although the army-backed administration had issued instructions that all arms should be handed over to the authorities, the Awami League chief did not do so, it was alleged. Bullets were also seized from Hasina’s residence. A secret document concerning security forces was also found in the library.
