Papia sentenced to 4-years in jail for money laundering

Shamima Noor Papia, an expelled leader of the Jubo Mohila League, was sentenced to four years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Tk 500,000 by the Dhaka Special Judge Court-8 in a money laundering case on Sunday. The court also ordered that if the fine is not paid, she will face an additional three months in jail.

Papia’s husband, Mofizur Rahman (also known as Sumon Chowdhury), along with three other accused—Sabbir Khondaker, Sheikh Tayiba Noor, and Zubayer Alam—were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Zubayer remains absconding.

Papia was arrested in February 2020 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while carrying counterfeit currency and foreign cash. Police later raided her residence in Indira Road, recovering a pistol, ammunition, large sums of money, passports, and various valuables.

During the trial, the court heard testimony from 27 witnesses. Papia had secured bail from higher courts but was unable to attend the hearing due to illness. Her lawyer’s request for an adjournment was denied.

Previously, Papia was expelled from her post as General Secretary of the Narsingdi district Jubo Mohila League amid allegations of unethical activities, including operating illegal businesses from luxury hotel rooms in Dhaka.