DHAKA: The High Court on Wednesday (Aug 9) has granted permanent bail to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case filed by the ACC.

An HC bench comprising Justices M Enayetur Rahim and Shahidul Karim passed the order after holding final hearing on a ruling issued by the High Court in 2008.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case in 2008 against six people, including Khaleda and her son Tarique Rahman, for allegedly misappropriating Tk 2.1 crore from the funds of the Zia Orphanage Trust.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan said, in 2008, the HC granted Khaleda Zia an anticipatory bail and issued a rule asking the government to explain why should not be granted regular bail in the case. The court finally granted the rule. However, if Khaleda Zia misuses the bail, the trial court concerned may cancel the bail.

The Zia Orphanage case is under trial at the Dhaka Special Judges Court-5 of Judge Dr. Md. Akhteruzzaman in city’s Bakhshibazar area.

BDST: 1445 HRS, AUG 9, 2017
AP