A Dhaka court today fixed March 18 for hearing on charge framing against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and 16 others in connection with the Gatco graft case.

Judge Abu Syed Diljar Hossain of the Special Judge Court-3 of Dhaka passed the order after hearing both defence and prosecution lawyers.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was taken to the court in a wheelchair around 12:50pm. She did not say anything throughout the hearing.

Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukder was seen talking with Khaleda Ziaafter the judge had exited the court.

Contacted, Masud Ahmed Talukder told The Daily Star, “Khaleda Zia didn’tdiscuss anything about politics. She just told him [Masud] that her health was not well.”

Earlier, on February 7, the prosecution began hearing on charge framing in the corruption case.

The Gatco graft case

On September 2, 2007, the ACC filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station against Khaleda and several others on charges of misappropriating around Tk 1,000 crore while dealing with Global Agro Trade (Pvt) Company Ltd (Gatco).

On May 13, 2008, the anti-graft watchdog pressed charges against Khaleda and 23 others.

Meanwhile, the names of seven other accused, including Khaleda's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, were dropped from the charge sheet following their deaths on different dates.