ACC has failed to prove graft allegations

The Anti-Corruption Commission has failed to prove the allegations brought against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, claimed Khaleda's senior counsel Jamir Uddin Sircar.

Placing his arguments at a makeshift court in Dhaka's Bakshibazar area yesterday,he pleaded to Special Court-5: "Khaleda seeks justice, deliver her true justice."

Moudud Ahmed, another senior lawyer for Khaleda, claimed the case was “fabricated”.

He said that instead of being held in public, the trial was being held in camera, as lawyers were not allowed to enter the courtroom.

Moudud, also a standing committee member of the BNP, mentioned he suspected that 14 other cases filed against the BNP chief were shifted to Special Court-5 for this reason.

Earlier, Sircar argued thatfalse cases were filed against the BNP chiefafter 1/11 changeover solely for political reasons and to obstruct her political life.

He said, "Analysing all arguments and evidence produced by the prosecution, I have come to the conclusion that the Anti-Corruption Commission has not been able to prove any charges against her.

"The accused will definitely benefit if [the prosecution] fails to prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, the charges brought in a criminal case.”

Sircar, also a former speaker of parliament, further drew the court's attention as to whether statements made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders would be considered as interferences in the functioning of the court.

On July 3, 2008, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case with Ramna Police Station, accusing Khaleda, her eldest son Tarique Rahman, and four others of misappropriating over Tk 21 million that came as grants for orphans from abroad.

On August 8, 2011, the commission filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon Police Station, accusing four people, including Khaleda, of abuse of power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman adjourned the hearing yesterday and ordered the defence to place the rest of the arguments on January 16, 17 and 18.