Dhaka, 17 Jan – The lawyers of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday placed arguments in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sought acquittal stating the the BNP leader’s involvement was not proved.“We could not operate the case freely. It was a coercive trial… not a trial at all,” said Barrister Moudud Ahmed, who placed the closing argument in favour of Khaleda Zia.
“We hope the court will consider everything and come to decide to let off my client with respect and honour,” he added while concluding his argument.
Yesterday’s argument on behalf of Khaleda Zia was placed from 11:45am until 1:30pm Tuesday.
After the hearing, Judge Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman of the Special Court-5 of Dhaka adjourned the hearing until 2:00pm after dismissing a petition that sought non-appearance for Khaleda Zia for Wednesday and the day after.
On July 3, 2008, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case with Ramna Model Police Station accusing Khaleda, her son Tarique Rahman and four others of misappropriating over Tk 2.10 crore that had come as grants for orphans from a foreign bank.
Besides, the ACC, on August 8, 2011, lodged the Zia Charitable Trust graft case Tejgaon Model Police Station accusing four persons, including Khaleda Zia, of abuse of power in raising fund for the trust from unknown sources. – Special Correspondent
