SC upholds stay on Khaleda’s bail in Cumilla murder case

Khaleda Zia. File Photo
Khaleda Zia. File Photo

The Appellate Division of Supreme Court on Monday upheld its previous order staying the High Court order that had granted bail to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in a murder case filed over the arson attack in Cumilla on 3 Feb, 2015, reports UNB.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by chief justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order disposing of the leave-to-appeal petition filed by the state.

The SC also ordered disposing the rule within four weeks issued by the HC to explain why Khaleda Zia would not be given permanent bail in the case.

Following the order, the SC stay on the High Court order will continue.

On 24 June, the Supreme Court fixed 2 July (today) to pass the order on a leave-to-appeal against the High Court order that had granted bail to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in the murder case.

On 28 May, the High Court granted bail for six months to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in two cases filed in Cumilla.

On 29 May, chamber judge of the Appellate Division stayed the bail following an appeal by state and fixed 31 May for hearing in full bench.

On 31 May, The Appellate Division extended till 24 June its previous order staying the High Court order that had granted bail to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in two cases filed in Cumilla.

Eight people were killed and at least 20 others injured when miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at a bus at Jogmohanpur in Chouddagram of Cumilla district during the BNP-led alliance's movement on 3 February, 2015.

Two cases were filed against Khaleda in this connection.

On 8 February, Khaleda Zia was sent to jail after a special court sentenced her to five years’ rigorous imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.