DHAKA: A Dhaka court on Thursday has fixed July 20 for hearing BNP Chief Khaleda Zia’s self-defence statement in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and also for quizzing the probe officer Harun-ar-Rashid in Zia Charitable Trust graft case.

Judge of Special Judge’s Court-5 Md Akhtaruz-zaman in city’s Bakshibazar parade ground fixed the date accepting a time plea from Khaleda’s defence counsel as she was unable to appear before court.

Senior BNP leaders and top level lawyers were also present at the time. 

On August 8, 2011, the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon Police Station accusing four people, including Khaleda Zia, accusing abuse of power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

Besides, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on July 3, 2008 with Ramna Police Station accusing Khaleda Zia, her eldest son Tarique Rahman, now living in the UK after securing bail, and four others for misappropriating over Tk 21. 0 million (2.10 crore) that came as grants from a foreign bank for orphans.

BDST: 1710 HRS, JULY 13, 2017
AP