CJ sends back verdict copy on Khaleda’s candidacy

The Chief Justice (CJ) Syed Mahmud Hossain has sent back the verdict copy on jailed BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s candidacy in the 11th parliamentary elections slated for December 30.

Confirming the matter to Jago News, CJ’s secretary Muhammad Rejaul Haque on Wednesday said the verdict copy has been sent to the concerned department of the High Court (HC) as the copy is short. 

A HC bench of Justice Syed Refat Ahmed and Justice Md gave a split verdict on Khaleda’s candidacy on Tuesday. 

Earlier on December 2, Khaleda’s nominations for Feni 1, Bagura 6 and 7 constituencies were rejected by returning officers. The Election Commission also upheld the decisions on December 9, prompting the BNP chief to move the High Court on December 10.

BNP chief Khaleda was jailed for five years on February 8 this year in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Her punishment was doubled by the High Court on October 30. A day before that, she was sentenced to seven-year imprisonment by a special court in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.