A Dhaka court has ordered BNP chief Khaleda Zia to appear before it on April 17 and defend herself in Zia Charitable Trust graft case.
Judge Abu Ahmed Jamadar of Dhaka’s Third Special Court issued the order on Thursday when Khaleda was supposed to appear before it but did not and sought time through her lawyer. Lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kajol of Anti Corruption Commission, which prosecuted the former prime minister, said charges would be read out to her on the day.
“She can speak to defend herself if she wishes,” he said.
The case, initiated during the 2007-08 military-backed caretaker regime, accuses Khaleda and three others of embezzling Tk 31.5 million.
After the completion of the depositions by witnesses, the court on Mar 31 fixed Apr 7 for defence of the accused.
Two of them – Monirul Islam Khan and Ziaul Islam Munna – appeared before court on Thursday. They pleaded not guilty and sought justice, but Khaleda’s lawyers prayed for time.
The BNP chief had moved the High Court in March 2014 challenging its validity and legality of appointment of the special judge framing the charges.
But the plea was scrapped. – Special Correspondent
