Khaleda gets bail in Cumilla arson case

File photo of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The HC bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice SM Mozibur Rahman granted the bail after hearing an appeal filed by Khaleda challenging a lower court order that rejected her bail petition in the case on September 13.

Deputy Attorney General Dr Md Bashir Ullah told The Daily Star that the government will move an appeal before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court challenging the HC order of bail.

However, Khaleda cannot get release from jail following the HC order as she is arrested in few other cases, he said.

WHAT IS THE ALLEGATION AGAINST KHALEDA?

Police filed the arson case with Chauddagram Police Station on January 24, 2015, against Khaleda and others after a covered van was damaged by fire during an anti-government agitation.

WHY KHALEDA IS IN JAIL?

Khaleda landed in the old central jail on February 8 after a special court sentenced her to five years' rigorous imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

The High Court on October 30 enhanced the punishment of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to 10 years imprisonment in the case.

Besides, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was also convicted in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case and sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment by a special court on October 29.