DHAKA: The High Court has fixed Tuesday (May 22) for hearing on the bail petitions of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in two cases filed on charge of sabotage and defamation.  

The HC bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice JBM Hassan gave the order on Monday (May 21). 

Advocate Khandaker Mahbub Hossain stood for Khaleda Zia while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam stood for the state.

Earlier on Sunday (May 20), lawyers of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia filed three bail petitions with the High Court seeking her bail in three separate cases.

On Monday (May 21), two petitions came on the agenda of the court. The court fixed 2:30 pm for hearing of two petitions.

In 2015, some people were burnt to death and at least 20 others injured when miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at a bus during BNP-led alliance's movement in Jogmohanpur area under Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla. 

Later, two cases were filed in this regard.

However, on December 21, 2015, Khaleda Zia questioned the actual number of Liberation War martyrs at a discussion held in Dhaka, which was broadcast in media. Besides, she made objectionable remarks about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 
 
Later, a defamation case was filed against her with a Narail court on December 14, 2015.

Khaleda Zia did not appear in court at due time. Therefore, an arrest warrant was issued.

On February 8, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia landed in the old Central Jail in city’s Nazimuddin Road after she was jailed for five years in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. 

Since then, she has been in jail.

The HC granted her 4 months of bail following an appeal of this case. Later, the Appellate Division of Supreme Court stayed the bail on Thursday (May 17). 

Her (Khaleda Zia) lawyers said at least six cases are filed against Khaleda Zia. Her release is dependent upon the bails of these cases. Among these cases, 3 filed in Cumilla, 1 in filed Narail, and the rest are filed in Dhaka.    

BDST: 1617 HRS, MAY 21, 2018
AH/SMS