Dhaka: The High Court (HC) has acquitted BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and two other convicts in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case, allowing two separate appeals that challenged their lower court convictions and sentences. The decision was rendered by an HC bench consisting of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain, who stated, "Appeal allowed," in their identical orders. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the High Court had previously granted a defense petition on November 3 to prepare the paper book at its own cost, enabling an appeal against the seven-year sentence given to Begum Khaleda Zia. ACC counsel Asif Hasan confirmed to the press that the court had acquitted Khaleda Zia, along with co-convicts Ziaul Islam and Monirul Islam Khan, by accepting the appeals filed. Senior advocate Zainul Abedin highlighted the lack of evidence against Khaleda Zia, stating that no witnesses testified to her embezzling money through misuse of power in the trust. He pointed out significant i nconsistencies in the initial report and charge sheet, which were pivotal in the court accepting their arguments and appeals. Khaleda Zia's counsel, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, emphasized the political motivations behind the case, asserting that Khaleda Zia had been unjustly treated at the lower court. He expressed satisfaction with the High Court's decision, stating, "We have finally got justice after a long legal battle," underscoring their respect for the legal process throughout. The initial conviction was handed down by the Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 on October 29, 2018, which sentenced Khaleda Zia to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Taka 10 lakh. Following this, the BNP chairperson filed an appeal with the High Court on November 18, 2018, which was later accepted for hearing, leading to the eventual stay on her fine.
