Graft case: SC order on Khaleda’s plea Nov 9

The Supreme Court will pass an order on Thursday on an appeal filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia seeking its order to stay the trial proceedings of Zia Charitable Trust corruption case against her and allow her lawyers to further cross-examine nine prosecution witnesses of the case.

A five-member bench of the Appellate Division of the SC headed by Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, who is discharging responsibilities of the chief justice, fixed the date after concluding hearing on the leave to appeal petition.

Khaleda recently filed the leave to appeal petition with the apex court against an order delivered by the High Court on October 22 this year.

The HC on October 22 disposed of with observation a petition filed by Khaleda seeking its order to the trial court concerned to allow her lawyers to further cross-examine nine prosecution witnesses of the case.

The HC observed that there is no need for further cross-examination of the nine prosecution witnesses of the case, as they have already been cross-examined in respect of the trial proceedings against Tarique Rahman (son of Khaleda) in the same case. 

On August 8, 2011, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust case with Tejgaon police, accusing four people, including Khaleda, of raising funds for the trust from unknown sources through power abuse.

Advocate AJ Mohammad Ali, Advocate Zainul Abedin and Barrister Bodruddoza Badal appeared for Khaleda Zia.