Dhaka, Jan 08 (V7N)— The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's appeal in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case until Thursday. The state and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have been directed to present their statements on the next hearing date.

The appeal hearing was conducted before a four-judge bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed. Lawyers representing Khaleda Zia argued that she had no involvement in the alleged embezzlement of funds from the Zia Orphanage Trust. Advocate Zainul Abedin, representing Khaleda Zia, described the case as fabricated and politically motivated, aimed at sidelining her from active politics.

The Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case has been a significant legal and political issue in Bangladesh. On February 8, 2018, a trial court sentenced Khaleda Zia to five years in prison. Her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with other accused, were sentenced to 10 years in the same case. Later, the High Court increased Khaleda Zia's sentence to 10 years.

Following the political changes after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, Khaleda Zia's sentence was commuted. Her appeal remains a critical focus for the BNP and her legal team as they seek to overturn the verdict.

The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, where further developments are expected.

END/MSS/AJ