Proceedings continue in Khaleda's absence

Counsel for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday for the second day continued cross-examining the investigation officer of the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case in her absence.

Advocate Abdur Rezak Khan cross-examined Harunur Rashid, deputy director of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and also the IO of the case, for over three hours.

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 16 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 home on November 21.

Judge Abu Ahmed Jomadar of the Special Judge's Court-3 of Dhaka recorded statement of the witness and later fixed January 28 for the hearing. On that day, Khaleda's lawyer will again cross-examine the witness.

The court also accepted non-appearance of Khaleda yesterday.

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.