Graft trial to continue in Khaleda’s absence

The High Court on Sunday cleared the way to continue the trial proceedings of Zia Charitable Trust graft case against jailed BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in her absence.

The bench of Justice Obaidul Hasan and Justice SM Kuddus Zaman passed the order rejecting a review petition filed by Khaleda Zia.

Earlier on September 27, BNP chairperson filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging a lower court's decision.

On September 20, a special court in Dhaka decided to continue the trial of the case inside Old Dhaka Central Jail in her absence.

Khaleda Zia, who has been in jail since her conviction in the Zia orphanage trust graft case on February 8, refused to appear before the court during the trial of Zia charitable trust case on ‘safety grounds’.

Later, the government shifted the court to jail premises to ensure his safety. Yet, she did not appear before the court.

The state counsel appealed to the court to continue the trial proceedings of the case in absence of Khaleda Zia. The court accepted their pleading.