DHAKA: The High Court Monday issued twin-rules upon the government and the Anti-Corruption Commission to explain within seven days why the notices served by the ACC to BNP chairperson and ex-PM Begum Khaleda Zia regarding two graft charges “should not be declared illegal”.

The High Court show-cause notices relate to notices issued by the anti-graft watchdog body to the former premier for testifying on the graft allegations about Ziaur Rahman Charitable Trust and construction of the Bhairab Bridge.

An HC bench comprising justices Ashraful Islam and SM Emdadul Haque issued the twin-rules after hearing two writ petitions filed by Begum Khaleda Zia challenging the ACC subpoenas.

Khaleda Zia’s lawyer, Barrister Moudud Ahmed, later told reporters that the ACC “can’t issue notice to anybody without mentioning the elements of charges/allegations brought against him or her”.

Earlier on May 18, the BNP chairperson filed an affidavit for submitting the writ petitions.

The ACC had issued four separate notices upon Khaleda in-between February 15 and May 2, asking her to reply where and when it should question her over the allegations.

BDST: 2040HRS. May 24, 2010.

JA/RR/SMS/MUA