DHAKA: A special court, set up in old central jail, fixed September 20 for delivering its order on whether the trial of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia Charitable Trust graft case will continue as she had refused to appear in hearing.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is serving her 5-year jail sentence in Zia Orphanage Trust case in old central jail. Because of her physical illness the Law Ministry issued a notification to set up a makeshift court in the prison to conduct the trial of Zia Charitable Trust graft case against her.

However, the jail authority failed to produce her before the makeshift court as she refuses to do so over and again.

Under the circumstances, the prosecution and defense placed statements respectively on how the trial or whether the hearing of defense arguments will continue. 

Judge Md Akhteruzzaman of Special Judge’s Court-5 adjourned the hearing on Thursday (Sep 12) and fixed Sep 20 for passing order in the case.

Advocate Sanaullah Mia and Aminul Islam moved for Khaleda while advocate Mosharraf Hossain Kajal moved for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Earlier on Sept 5, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia refused to appear before court over and again while telling the makeshift trial court in jail to go give her as much punishment as it wishes.

BDST: 1435 HRS, SEP 13, 2018
AP/SMS