DHAKA: A court here Wednesday declared a long adjournment till November 14 the hearing on charge framing against ex-PM and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, her elder son Tarique Rahman and four others in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

Judge Muzammel Hossain of the Special Judge Court-3 passed the order following a petition filed on behalf of Khaleda and Tarique seeking more time.

Defence lawyer Sanaullah Mia said the petition was filed seeking more time as a writ petition had already been filed with the High Court challenging the legality of the case.

“The High Court deferred the charge-framing hearing in the case until holding the hearing on the rule. Copy of the HC order in this regard has been submitted to the court,” he said.
 
Tarique’s lawyer appeared before the court as he has been under treatment abroad with executive order of the government.

Two other accused--former MP Kazi Salimul Haq and businessman Sarfuddin Ahmed, who are both on bail--appeared before the court. Another two--Dr. Kamaluddin Siddiquee and Mominur Rahman--are absconding.

The Anti-Corruption Commission lodged the case with Ramna thana on July 3, 2008, amid a massive anti-graft drive under state of emergency, accusing Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique and the four others of misappropriating over Tk 2 crore from the Zia Orphanage Trust.

Assistant Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission Harunur Rashid submitted charge-sheet against the high-profile accused on August 5 last year.

BDST: 1714 HRS SEP 15, 2010