Khaleda files appeal against her conviction

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia filed an appeal with the High Court (HC) on Sunday challenging her conviction by a lower court in the much-talked-about Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.

Khaleda’s lawyer Nowshad Jamir filed the appeal on behalf of Khaleda after receiving the copy of the full verdict of the case. The appeal also sought her bail.

Earlier on 29 October, a Special Court-5 pronounced the verdict sentencing her to seven years imprisonment in her absence when she was then undergoing treatment at Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) under a special medical board formed by the government.

The court also fined her Tk 1 million, in default, to suffer six months more in jail.

The court also ordered confiscation of the 42-katha land bought against the trust’s name.

On 8 August 2011, the ACC filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon police station accusing four people, including Khaleda Zia, of abusing power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

The former prime minister has been serving five years’ rigorous imprisonment at the abandoned central jail at Nazimuddin Road, as she was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on 8 February last.