The Anti-Corruption Commission has failed to prove the allegations brought against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, claimed Khaleda’s senior counsel Jamir Uddin Sircar.
He said this while placing his arguments in the graft case at a makeshift court in Dhaka’s Bakshibazar areayesterday.
Sircar, also former speaker of parliament, pleaded to Special court-5 saying, “Khaleda seeks justice, deliver her a true justice.”
He saidfalse cases were filed against Khaleda after 1/11 changeover only for political reasons and to obstruct her political life.
On July 3, 2008, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case with Ramna Police Station, accusing Khaleda, her eldest son Tarique Rahman, and four others of misappropriating over Tk 21 million that came as grants for orphans from abroad.
On August 8, 2011, the commission filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon Police Station, accusing four people, including Khaleda, of abuse of power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.
Sircar, in his arguments, said, “Analysing all arguments and evidence produced by the prosecution, I have come to the conclusion that the Anti-Corruption Commission has not been able to prove any charges against her.
“The accused will definitely benefit if (the prosecution) fails to prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, the charges brought in a criminal case.”
He also read out certain portions of the BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s self-defence statement in the court.
He further drew the court’s attention as to whether statements made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders would be considered as interferences in the functioning of the court.
Afterwards, Moudud Ahmed, also BNP standing committee member, began his closing arguments and said that the case is “fabricated”.
At one stage, he said the trial against Khaleda was not held publicly, and was instead an in-camera trial, as lawyers were not allowed to enter the courtroom.
Moudud mentioned that he suspects that 14 other cases filed against the BNP chief were shifted to Special Court-5 for this reason.
Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman adjourned the hearing yesterday and ordered the defence to place the rest of the arguments on January 16, 17 and 18.
*News Searching By TheDailyStar*
