Published on 02:02 PM, January 16, 2018

Khaleda seeks acquittal in Zia Orphanage graft case

Barrister Moudud Ahmed, senior BNP leader and a senior lawyer for the party’s Chairperson Khaleda Zia, speaking to journalists after closing the arguments for his client in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Photo: Tuhin Shubhra Adhikary
Star Online Report

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia today placed closing arguments in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sought acquittal claiming her involvement was not proved.

“We could not operate the case freely. It was a coercive trial… not a trial at all,” said Moudud Ahmed, a senior lawyer who placed the closing argument in favour of Khaleda.

“We hope you (the court) will consider everything and come to decide to let off my client (Khaleda) with respect and honour,” he said at the conclusion of his argument.

The closing argument of Khaleda was placed from 11:45am today until 1:30pm.

BNP Chief Khaleda Zia appears before the court on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Photo: Tuhin Shubhra Adhikary
After hearing, Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman of the Special Court-5 in Dhaka adjourned the court until 2:00pm after dismissing a non-appearance petition of Khaleda for tomorrow and the day after.

The other accused will place their closing arguments after the court takes seat.

In July 2008, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case with Ramna Police Station accusing Khaleda, her son Tarique and four others of misappropriating over Tk 2.10 crore that had come as grants for orphans from a foreign bank.

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