Khaleda graft case: Order on IO statement June 29

The High Court today fixed June 29 for passing an order on a petition filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia seeking its directives upon the lower court for expunging the deposition of the investigation officer in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case against her.

The High Court bench of Justice Md Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Justice JBM Hassan set the date after concluding hearing on the petition.

AKM Ehsanur Rahman, a counsel for Khaleda, told The Daily Star that the court, if feels necessary, may hold further hearing before passing the order on June 29.

AJ Mohammad Ali appeared for Khaleda while Khurshid Alam Khan argued for Anti-Corruption Commission during the hearing.

In her petition filed on June 14, Khaleda prayed to the HC to pass an order upon the lower court to expunge deposition of Harun-or-Rashid and to record his fresh statement in her presence at the court.

Khaleda also prayed to the court to issue a rule seeking explanation on why recording of the statement of the IO in her absence should not be declared illegal.

She urged the HC to stay the proceedings of the case until disposal of the petition.

In her petition, Khaleda said the Special Judge Court-3 of Dhaka has recorded the statement of Harun-or-Rashid, also director of Anti-Corruption Commission, in her absence for six days.

The ACC had filed the two graft cases including Zia Orphanage Trust in 2008 and 2011. According to the charge sheet in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, Khaleda, Tarique and four others embezzled Tk 2.1 crore by forming the charity that exists only on paper.