Extortion charges against Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, have been dismissed as baseless, motivated and farcical by the Awami League party she leads.
In a statement released on Tuesday the party vowed to fight the case, filed by a businessman on Monday, in court.
"The case is part of a conspiracy to damage Hasina's political reputation," it said.
"No one had complained of any wrongdoing or mischief by Hasina over the past six years since she lost power in the 2001 election, but suddenly now someone came up with a charge - that certainly is unbelievable."
Tajul Islam Faruk alleged to police that Hasina had extorted about $436,000 from him.
"The case alleged that Hasina compelled the management of a private power plant to pay the amount in phases from 1998 to 2001, otherwise threatening to stop the operation of the company," Mohammad Jashim, a police officer said, reading out the complaint.
Tajul had a stake in the power plant, although further details of his involvement were not immediately available.
"This is baseless and a blatant lie. We will fight it as per legal provisions," the Awami League rebuttal said.
Hasina, 60, is currently on a private visit to the US, but could be detained on her return.
That return was scheduled for April 22, but party officials said on Tuesday she might come back earlier.