Dhaka, Mar 02 (V7N) – The Appellate Division has scheduled Monday (March 4) for hearing the state and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) appeals against the High Court verdict acquitting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.

A three-member bench of the Appellate Division, led by Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam, set the date on Sunday (March 2) following an application from the ACC’s legal team.

Previously, on February 27, the Appellate Division had set March 2 for the hearing, but it has now been rescheduled.

Background of the Case:

Case Filed: August 8, 2010, by the ACC at Tejgaon Police Station.

Allegation: Misappropriation of Tk 3.15 crore 43 lakh in the name of the Zia Charitable Trust.

High Court Acquittal: November 27, 2024 – Khaleda Zia and two others were acquitted, Convicted Individuals:

  • Khaleda Zia (Former Prime Minister & BNP Chairperson)
  • Haris Chowdhury (Late Political Secretary to Khaleda Zia)
  • Ziaul Islam Munna (Haris Chowdhury’s former Private Secretary)
  • Monirul Islam Khan (Private Secretary to ex-Dhaka Mayor Sadeq Hossain Khoka)

The High Court’s November 2024 verdict overturned a seven-year prison sentence handed to Khaleda Zia in the case. The ACC and the state later appealed against the acquittal, seeking to reinstate the conviction.

The Appellate Division’s upcoming hearing will determine whether the High Court’s decision remains or if Khaleda Zia and others will face further legal proceedings.