DHAKA: A Dhaka court on Thursday issued arrest warrant against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in a defamation case.

Metropolitan Magistrate Nur Nabi issued the order as Khaleda Zia failed to appear before the court in hearing on Thursday.

Besides, the court asked Gulshan Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) to submit a report by November 12 on execution of the arrest warrant.

In response to a petition filed on September 17seeking an arrest warrant against Khaleda Zia, the court warned the defendant of arrest warrant if she fails to appear before it on October 12. 

Jananetri Parishad President AB Siddique filed the case with Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court against slain BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and his wife Khaleda Zia on November 3, 2016.

According to case statement, Ziaur Rahman rehabilitated those who were hiding in Pakistan fearing trial after opposing Liberation War.

The statement also says: Khaleda assumed power in 2001 after forming an alliance with anti-liberation force like Jamaat-e Islami. She handed down the flag of Bangladesh to the Razakars and al-Badars (collaborators) by making them ministers.

BDST: 1258 HRS, OCT 12, 2017
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