The case is now pending with the Special Court for Dhaka Division and awaiting delivery of judgement.

The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain why the corruption case filed against Ershad will not be transferred to any other competent court for trial.

The government was asked to reply on the issue by three weeks.

The order came upon a petition filed by Ershad, seeking transfer of the case to another court for ends of justice.

The HC vacation bench comprising Justice Ali Asgar Khan and Justice Md Mashuque Hosain Ahmed heard the petition and issued the rule.

According to the prosecution, Ershad, while in power, paid Tk 7,43,416 as income tax for six years (1983-89). Later, he withdrew Tk 2,76,324 from the income tax money on the plea that he had deposited it as donation.

Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud and advocates Abdul Malek and Sheikh Sirajul Islam defended the petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Helaluddin Mollah appeared for the state.