Zia seeks fresh probe into orphanage trust graft case

Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia today sought a fresh probe into the orphanage trust corruption case against her as she appeared before a court here for the hearing of the crucial case, which could jeopardise her career if found guilty.
The BNP chairperson's counsels demanded fresh investigations into the corruption case involving a charity named after her slain husband and military-ruler-turned president Ziaur Rahman.
Judge Abu Ahmed Jomadar of Special Judge Court-3 fixed February 2 for the next hearing and over the petition seeking further investigation into the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Zia's lawyers submitted the petition alleging that investigation into the case conducted earlier by the ACC was faulty.

The court today witnessed frenzied arguments for hours as 71-year-old's Zia sat on the dock.
The hearing saw heated debates as a number of lawyers supporting Zia's key opposition appeared in the crowded courtroom.

After hearing arguments from prosecution and defence, the judge fixed February 2 for the next hearing and asked Zia to appear in person again on the dock on that day.
The court on January 26 had issued a warrant ordering the arrest of Zia's "fugitive" elder son and BNP's senior vice president Tarique Rahman as another key accused of the case.
The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on July 3, 2008 accusing the opposition leader, her eldest son Tarique, who is residing in the UK, and four others for misappropriating over Tk 2.10 crore that was received as grant for orphans from a foreign bank.

Zia and other accused could be jailed for life if found guilty.