Khaleda back to jail after Niko graft case hearing

Former Prime Minister BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been taken back to her cell of Old Dhaka Central Jail after the hearing of Niko corruption case.

BNP chief arrived at the jail premises around 11:15am on Thursday from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and appeared before a special court there.

She was admitted to the hospital on October 6 following a High Court order.

On December 9, 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the Niko graft case with Tejgaon Police Station accusing Khaleda and 10 others of abusing power to award a gas exploration and extraction deal to Canadian company Niko during her tenure as the prime minister.

Khaleda landed in the old central jail on February 8 after a special court sentenced her to five years' rigorous imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

The High Court on October 30 enhanced the punishment of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to 10 years imprisonment in the case.

Besides, Khaleda Zia was also convicted in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case and sentenced to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment by a special court on October 29.