SC clears way for Khaleda's trial in graft case

The Supreme Court yesterday cleared the way for the lower court to continue the trial proceedings of Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The apex court passed “no order” on a petition filed by Khaleda seeking order to allow her lawyers for further cross examination of nine prosecution witnesses of the case and stay on its trial proceedings.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, performing the duties of chief justice, passed the “no order” after hearing on the petition.

Now, there is no legal bar for the lower court concerned to continue trial proceedings in the case, Anti-Corruption Commission lawyer Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan told The Daily Star.

He also said Khaleda Zia can file a leave to appeal petition before the Appellate Division against an order delivered by the High Court on October 22 this year.

On August 8, 2011, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust case with Tejgaon police, accusing four people, including Khaleda, of raising funds for the trust from unknown sources through power abuse.