Petition seeks stay on HC verdict against Khaleda in Zia Orphanage case

A provisional leave to appeal was filed on Monday seeking stay on the High Court verdict that extended the jail term of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case to 10 years from five years.

Joynul Abedin Tuhin, advocate on record, filed the petition with the concerned wing of the Appellate Division.

Khaleda’s Lawyer Barrister NawshadJamir said that as they are yet to get certified copy of the verdict in the case, they filed the CMP (Criminal Miscellaneous Petition also known as provisional leave to appeal.

Earlier on October 30, the HC extended the jail term of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

On February 8, the Dhaka Special Court-5 convicted the former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson and sentenced her to five years' imprisonment and five other accused in the case, including her son and BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman, to 10 years’ imprisonment each.

The ACC filed a revision appeal seeking her sentence to be extended to life imprisonment.

On Sunday, Khaleda Zia filed an appeal with the High Court (HC) challenging her conviction by a trial court in the much-talked-about Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.

On October 29, a Special Court-5 pronounced the verdict sentencing her to seven years’ imprisonment in her absence when she was undergoing treatment at Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) under a special medical board formed by the government.

Source: unb