SC upholds bail for Khaleda Zia

The Supreme Court, however, directed the HC bench, led by Justice Enayetur Rahim, to hear and dispose the appeal filed by Khaleda challenging conviction verdict in the case by July 31

FT ONLINE

The Supreme Court has upheld the High Court’s bail order for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in a graft case.

The Appellate Division delivered its verdict on Wednesday on two appeals against the High Court’s bail order.

The four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain dismissed the appeals filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission and the government challenging the High Court’s bail to Khaleda.

According to the latest order by the top court, the High Court will now resolve by July 31 Khaleda’s appeal that sought to overturn her conviction and a five-year jail term in the Zia Orphanage Trust case. 

However, this will not mean Khaleda will be released from jail because, as her lawyers said, she is being held behind bars in some other cases.

The High Court on March 12 granted an interim bail to Khaleda who was jailed on February 8 after a trial court convicted her.

Later, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the government challenged the High Court order, taking their appeals to the Appellate Division.

The BNP chief has been in the old jailhouse on Nazimuddin Road after she was convicted of embezzling funds meant for orphans.