SC clears way for trial of Khaleda in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case

The Appellate Division on Monday cleared way for the continuation of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Orphanage Trust graft case against Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia.

A four-member bench led by acting chief justice Abdul Wahhab Miah passed ‘no order’ on a petition filed by the former prime minister seeking stay on the trial proceedings and recording deposition of the witnesses of the case.

AJ Mohammad Ali stood for Khaleda while lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan for the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court set October 30 to deliver its order on the petition.

On October 22, the High Court disposed with observation the petition filed by Khaleda Zia seeking its directive for recording deposition of nine witnesses of state.

Besides, the HC rejected an appeal filed for re-examining two witnesses of the case.

Later on October 24, Khaleda filed petition with the Supreme Court against the HC order.

After a hearing, chamber judge of the Appellate Division Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain sent the petition to the full bench of the apex court for its hearing.

The ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on July 3, 2008 with Ramna police station accusing Khaleda Zia, her eldest son Tarique Rahman, now living in the UK, and four others for misappropriating over Tk 21. 0 million (2.10 crore) that came as grants from a foreign bank for orphans.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net