Defence ends cross-examining IO in Khaleda's absence

Counsel for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday concluded cross-examining the investigation officer and the last witness of the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case in her absence.

Advocate Abdur Rezak Khan yesterday for the 4th day cross-examined Harunur Rashid, deputy director of the Anti Corruption Commission and also the IO of the case, for over three hours.

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The lawyer asked the IO different questions about his investigation into the case.

Khaleda could not appear before the court due to her physical illness, said her another lawyer Sanaullah Miah.

With this, Khaleda had skipped trial proceedings in the case for 18 consecutive dates on different excuses.

She appeared before the court on September 10 last year. Later on September 16 last year, she left for London for treatment and returned on November 21.

Judge Abu Ahmed Jomadar of the Special Judge's Court-3 of Dhaka recorded statement of the witness and fixed February 11 for the next hearing. On that day, lawyers for two other accused will cross-examine the IO.

The court also accepted non-appearance of Khaleda yesterday.

Earlier the court recorded statements of 32 prosecution witnesses, including complainant of the case.

The ACC on August 8, 2011 filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station, accusing four persons, including Khaleda, of abusing power to raise fund in the name of Zia Charitable Trust.