Zia Orphanage Trust graft verdict Feb 8

The verdict of Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman will be delivered on February 8.

Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman of the Special Court-5 in Dhaka fixed the date this afternoon after the defence closed their arguments and rebuttal in presence of Khaleda at the courtroom.

As the court began today's proceedings around 11:15am, defence counsel for two other accused -- businessman Sharfuddin Ahmed and former BNP lawmaker Qazi Saleemul Huq Kamal -- placed their argument and then public prosecutor Mosharraf Hossain Kajol placed rebuttal of defence arguments.  

Public Prosecutor Mosharraf Hossain Kajal briefed media on Thursday, 25 January, 2018. Photo: Tuhin Shubhra Adhikary/ STAR

Later, Abdur Rezak Khan, a lawyer for Khaleda, placed a brief submission before the court fixed the date.

Earlier on December 19, the prosecution concluded their argument and sought highest punishment for Khaleda in the graft case.

Meanwhile, the same court fixed January 30 for further proceedings of Zia Charitable Trust graft case. 

In July 2008, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case with Ramna Police Station accusing Khaleda, BNP's senior vice chairman Tarique and four others of misappropriating over Tk 2.10 crore that had come as grants for orphans from a foreign bank.

The two other accused are: Mominur Rahman, a son of BNP chief's sister, and Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, principal secretary to former prime minister Khaleda.