Barapukuria graft: Hearing on charge framing against Khaleda on Nov 17

A Dhaka court has set November 17 for hearing on charge framing against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others in the Barapukuria coal-mine corruption case.

Judge ASM Ruhul Imran of the Special Judge's Court-2 in Dhaka passed the order today, said Dewan Ashik, bench assistant of the concerned court.

On February 26, 2008, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case with Shahbagh Police Station accusing 16 people including former prime minister Khaleda Zia and 10 of her former cabinet members of taking Tk 159 crore in kickbacks on the Barapukuria coalmine deal, which was awarded to the highest bidder.

Earlier on October 5, 2008, the ACC pressed charges against Khaleda and 15 others in the Barapukuria coal-mine graft case.

Seven people including former finance minister Saifur Rahman, were dropped from the charge sheet after their death.