Khaleda’s deferment petition for tomorrow’s graft hearing rejected

A Dhaka court today rejected a petition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to defer the tomorrow’s proceedings of Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case to any day in next week.

The Special Court-5, however, exempted Khaleda from her personal appearance for tomorrow.

Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman of Special Court-5 adjourned the case proceedings until today when defence counsels of other accused will resume their closing arguments.

The court also extended her bail till next date of the hearing. It will set the date after tomorrow’s proceedings of the case.

Khaleda’s lawyer Zainul Abedin told reporters that Khaleda will appear before the court tomorrow as it rejected her petition to defer tomorrow’s proceedings.

Earlier in the day, Sanaullah Mia, another lawyer of Khaleda, prayed to the court that tomorrow’s proceedings should be deferred as it is the day of Khaleda’s mother’s death anniversary.

Public Prosecutor Mosharraf did not oppose the petition on humanitarian ground. Judge Akhtaruzzaman of the special court exempted Khaleda from the proceedings scheduled to be held on tomorrow.

However, he asked the defence lawyers of other accused to place their argument tomorrow.

Today, Ahsan Ullah, defence counsel for Sharfuddin Ahmed, another accused of the case, placed arguments and will resume his submission tomorrow.