DHAKA: BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia surrendered before the trial court in the Niko graft case on Monday as per the High Court order.

Then, lawyers of Khaleda Zia, on behalf her, have already filed a bail petition to the court of Dhaka special judge-9 Amirul Islam.

Khaleda’s lawyer advocate Joynul Abedin Mezbah confirmed the matter.

Earlier, the BNP chief arrived at court around 12:15pm to surrender before it in the Niko graft case.  

On June 18, the High Court rejected a petition filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia challenging the legality of Niko graft case, clearing the way for continuing the trial proceedings.

On April 22, the High Court started a hearing on a seven-year-old writ petition challenging the legality of Niko corruption case filed against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

On Dec 9, 2007, ACC filed the case against five people, including Khaleda, accusing them of causing loss of Tk 137.77 billion to the state exchequer by signing oil-gas exploration agreements with Niko.
 
Later on May 5, 2008, it submitted charges against 11 persons.
 
The High Court on July 9, 2008 stayed proceedings of the graft case and issued a ruling. The stay order was upheld by the Appellate Division.

BDST: 1215 HRS, NOV 29, 2015
RS