Khaleda may challenge convictions in 2 graft cases

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may file two separate appeals this week against her conviction in Zia Charitable Trust and Zia Orphanage Trust graft cases.

“We will be filing separate appeals on her behalf seeking acquittal. If she files an appeal, she can in the election,” Advocate Zainul Abedin, her lawyer, told The Daily Star.

He said, they are now examining the lower court judgement that on October 29 sentenced the BNP chief to seven years’ imprisonment in Zia Charitable Trust case.

Zainul, also a vice chairman of BNP and president of Supreme Court Bar Association, said they will appeal on Khaleda’s behalf challenging the High Court verdict that enhanced her punishment in Zia Orphanage Trust case.

“If we don’t get the certified copy of the verdict soon, we will move a criminal miscellaneous petition (known as provisional leave to appeal) before the apex court seeking stay on the High Court verdict in Zia Orphanage Trust case,” he said.

The lawyer also said there will be no legal bar for Khaleda Zia for submitting nomination papers and contesting the national election once the appeals are filed.

WHAT ARE THE VERDICTS AGAINST KHALEDA?

A special court in Dhaka on October 29 convicted Khaleda Zia in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case and sentenced her to seven years' rigorous imprisonment in her absence.

The Anti-Corruption Commission lodged the Zia Charitable case against Khaleda, Harris, Ziaul and Monirul with Tejgaon Police Station on August 8, 2011.

The BNP chief landed in jail being sentenced to five years' imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust case by the same special court on February 8 this year.

The HC on October 30 enhanced her punishment to 10 years’ imprisonment in Zia Orphange Trust corruption case after dismissing her appeal in this case.