Two accused of Zia Trust graft case brought to court

Two accused of Zia Orphanage Trust graft case former lawmaker Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal and businessman Sharfuddin Ahmed, who were behind bars in the case, have been brought to the makeshift court on Alia Madrasa premises in capital's Bakshibazar, reports BSS.

Both of them were brought to the court after 9 am, BSS correspondent quoting law enforcers said. Police and members of other law enforcing agencies have set up check points around the court and are not allowing anyone other than conducting lawyers from both prosecution and defence to enter the premises.

"We would not allow anyone other than the conducting lawyers to enter the court. No junior lawyers, whether he is wearing gown or not, will be allowed to enter," Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah said.

"A kind of anxiety has been created among the people marking the pronouncement of the verdict. I want to assure the city dwellers, there is no need to be panicked. Police are prepared to ensure the safety of their lives and properties," he added while visiting the court premises this morning.

Meanwhile, law enforcers have also restricted the entry of journalists into the court premises, allowing only a person from each media house to enter. No TV cameras have been allowed to enter the premises as well.

Dhaka special judge court-5 is scheduled to pass its verdict in the case after conclusion of arguments from both prosecution and defence on January 25.

The Anti-Corruption Commission lodged Zia Orphanage Trust graft case against BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and five others with Ramna Police Station on July 3, 2008, for embezzling Taka 2.10 crore meant for the orphans.

The other accused are Khaleda's son and BNP senior vice-president Tarique Rahman, former lawmaker Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal, businessman Sharfuddin Ahmed, Dr Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, and her nephew Mominur Rahman.