Appellate Division denies bail to Khaleda Zia

The Appellate Division today rejected BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's bail petition in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case.

The six-member bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain also passed an order to ensure better medical treatment for Khaleda Zia based on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Medical University's medical report.

The court in its observation said that if the applicant (Khaleda Zia) gives the necessary consent, the medical board will take immediate action for her advance treatment (Biologic agent), which the board has recommended.

Earlier in the day, Khaleda Zia's medical report was presented before the Appellate Division.

The report submitted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Medical University states that Khaleda Zia has diabetes, asthma, arthritis and physical weakness. However, her diabetes and blood pressure are under control.

In the report, the board of BSMMU said that they are not able to give Khaleda Zia more advanced treatment, because she does not agree to it. However, her physical condition is improving.

On the other hand, terming the report fake, Khaleda Zia's lawyer, Zainul Abedin said, "Khaleda Zia has been imprisoned for 22 months. She has been in the hospital for almost six months. She can't even walk alone. Khaleda Zia is also suffering from various old age complications."

BNP chairperson's lawyers in the court said, "Khaleda Zia is 75 years old now. She is seriously ill.  She should be granted bail considering her physical condition."

On December 5, the top court deferred the hearing until December 12 and asked the medical board formed to treat Khaleda to submit a report on her health condition.

A six-member Appellate bench, led by the Chief Justice, passed the order after Attorney General Mahbubey Alam sought time to file the report.

On November 28, the bench deferred the hearing on the bail petition until December 5. It also asked the medical board to submit a health report before the court on December 5.

Khaleda moved the apex court on November 14 challenging a High Court Division order that had turned down her bail petition in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.

The High Court on September 11 rejected her bail petition. Khaleda's bail plea had been turned down twice before – on July 31 and September 3.

On August 8, 2011, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the Zia Charitable Trust case with Tejgaon police against four people, including Khaleda. They were accused of abusing power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

A special court jailed the BNP chief and three others for seven years in the case on October 29 last year. Khaleda later moved the High Court.