The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) today commenced hearings on an appeal filed by BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, challenging the High Court's decision to extend her five-year jail term to 10 years in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

A full bench of the SC, headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, heard part of the appeal before adjourning the session until tomorrow. 

Senior lawyers Zainul Abedin, AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Badruddoza Badal, Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal, Kaiser Kamal, and Gazi Qamrul Islam Sazal represented Khaleda Zia, while Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman and Additional Attorneys General Mohammad Arshadur Rouf and Aneek Rushd Haque appeared for the state. 

Adv Md Asif Hasan argued on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

In November 2024, the SC had stayed the High Court's decision after granting leave to appeal. Lawyers for Khaleda Zia have argued that the prosecution failed to present any evidence linking her to the approval of funds or fraudulent activities in the case. 

They claim the funds are still intact in the bank, and the charges were politically motivated.

Khaleda Zia was convicted in February 2018 for embezzling funds from the Zia Orphanage Trust, leading to her five-year sentence. The High Court later extended the term to 10 years.

BDST: 1716 HRS, JAN 07, 2025
MN/SMS