Khaleda again skips trial proceedings

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday again skipped trial proceedings in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case due to her physical illness.

Meantime, advocate Abdur Rezak Khan started cross-examining Harunur Rashid, deputy director of the Anti-Corruption Commission and also the investigation officer of the case.

The lawyer asked the witness questions on different matters about the case for over three hours.    

Judge Abu Ahmed Jomadar of the Special Judge's Court-3 of Dhaka recorded statement of the witness and, later, fixed January 21 for the hearing. On that day, Khaleda's lawyer will cross-examine the witness.

Earlier on January 7, the IO gave his deposition before the same court. On that day, Khaleda was absent due to her personal affairs.

The other accused are Harris Chowdhury; Ziaul Islam Munna, former assistant private secretary of Harris Chowdhury; and Monirul Islam Khan, who was APS of former Dhaka city mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka.

Of them, Khaleda, Munna and Monirul are on bail while Harris is on the run. She could not appear before the court due to illness, said Sanaullah Mia, one of her counsels.

The ACC on August 8, 2011 filed the case, accusing the four of abusing power to raise fund in the name of Zia Charitable Trust. Harun pressed charge against Khaleda and three others on January 16, 2012.