Khaleda’s graft hearing deferred to Jan 5
Khaleda appears at court for self defence today
A Dhaka court deferred today’s hearing of Zia Charitable Trust graft case against BNP chief Khaleda Zia after concluding today’s proceedings in presence of the latter.
Judge Abu Ahmed Jomadar of the Special Judge Court-3 passed the order after Khaleda’s lawyer Sanaullah Mia submitted adjournment petition this afternoon.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda, complying with a previous court order, appeared before the special court around 11:30am for presenting self defence in the corruption case.
Lawyer Sanaullah in the petition said that a writ filed with the High Court in this regard still remains indisposed. So the hearing should be adjourned until disposal of the petition.
Later the court deferred today’s hearing, where Khaleda was expected to present self defence, to January 5.
Earlier on December 15, Khaleda Zia failed to appear before the court citing physical illness. The court said Khaleda must appear today (December 22) to keep her bail in this case.
On August 8, 2011, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon Police Station accusing four people, including Khaleda, of raising funds for the trust from unknown sources abusing power.
ACC Deputy Director Harunur Rashid, also an investigation officer of the case, pressed charges against the accused on January 16, 2012.