DHAKA: BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia appeared before a special court installed on the premises of jail department's parade ground in city's Bakshibazaar area, in Zia Charitable Trust and Zia Orphanage Trust corruption cases on Wednesday (December 20).

Khaleda, prime accused in the both cases, is expected to submit a written statement for her self-defence.

Besides, arguments will be presented in Zia Orphanage Trust case and deposition will be taken from another accused.
    
On December 5, Khaleda Zia surrendered before a special court and received bail in the two cases.

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

On July 3 in 2008, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case with Ramna Police Station, accusing Khaleda Zia, her elder son Tarique Rahman and four others for misappropriating over Tk 2.10 crore that was received as grants for orphans via a foreign bank.

BDST: 1237 HRS, DEC 20, 2017
SI