DHAKA: A Dhaka court adjourned the deposition against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia till December 8 in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Judge Basudev Roy of the Special Judge Court-3 recorded parts of the deposition of deputy director Harun-or-Rashid of the ACC.

Later, he passed the order of adjournment due to a chaotic situation created by the defense lawyers.

Earlier on September 22, Harun-or-Rashid gave a part of deposition but it was interrupted for Khaleda’s leave to appeal hearing and hartal.

Though, the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed the three petitions for leave to appeal.

However, Harun-or-Rashid was present in giving his deposition in absence of Khaleda in the court. He was also plaintiff and witness of Zia Charitable Trust case.

The hearing has been conducted at the makeshift court setup on Dhaka Alia Madrasa premises in city’s Bakshibazar area.

Earlier, on July 3, 2008, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case with Ramna Police Station accusing Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman, also senior vice chairman of BNP, and six others.

On August 5, 2009, the ACC submitted charge-sheet against eight people, including Khaleda and her son Tarique.

However, Khaleda appealed to the High Court challenging the charge-sheet on October 9, 2009 but the HC rejected the plea in 2011.

Later on February 26 in 2012, she appealed to the Supreme Court (SC) for leave to appeal against the case.

On the other hand, the ACC assistant director Harunur Rashid on August 8 in 2011 filed Zia Charitable Trust graft case against four people, including Khaleda Zia.

On March 19, Judge Basudeb Roy granted a charge-sheet against eight people including Khaleda and Tarique.

BDST: 1937 HRS, DEC 01, 2014