Graft Case: Khaleda skips proceedings, again

The prosecution yesterday verbally appealed to a Dhaka court to consider the possibility of a video conference as BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was not produced before it in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case for the third time due to her illness.

“The court can consider video conference… We have recently seen that India dealt with the case of Lalu Prasad Yadav this way,” said ACC PP Mosarraf Hossain Kajol.

Khaleda's lawyer Sanaullah Miah said, “We have strong disapproval of a video conference. The prosecution was saying she was unfit but they did not explain it elaborately.”

Sanaullah then filed a petition further seeking extension of Khaleda's bail. The earlier extension granted on April 5 expired yesterday.

Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman of the Special Judge Court -5 set up at Alia Madrassa in the capital's Bakshibazar rejected the prosecution plea and extended Khaleda's bail until May 10.  

The court also fixed the same date for hearing arguments in the corruption case.

On February 8, Khaleda, accused in over 34 cases, was convicted for five years' rigorous imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station in August 2011 accusing Khaleda and three others of abusing power to raise funds for the orphanage trust from unknown sources.