Zia Charitable Trust case: Two suspects to file 'no-confidence' motions against judge

Two suspects in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case will file “no-confidence” motions against the judge presiding over the trial amid fears they will not get justice.

Lawyers Aminul Islam and Md Akhtaruzzaman informed Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman about the decision by suspects Ziaul Islam Munna and Monirul Islam Khan on Monday.

They called for the case to be adjourned for 20 workdays as they will file petitions with the High Court seeking a transfer to another court and another judge.

Judge Akhtaruzzaman has set Tuesday for the hearing. He also dismissed Munna’s petition to extend his bail and ordered him to prison.

The defence petitioned for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the key suspect, to be sent to a specialised hospital for treatment. The judge, as he had done previously, instructed that steps be taken according to the jail code.

The case has been proceeding at a temporary court set up inside the Old Dhaka jailhouse.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was taken to BSMMU from prison for medical tests. She walked from the car to the elevator by herself. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi

Khaleda has been incarcerated at another building at the facility since she was sentenced in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

The temporary court was set up in September at the instruction of the government after Khaleda skipped court appearances in the past seven months citing ‘illness’.

On Sept 20, Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman decided to continue the case in her absence after she refused to appear in court.

The judge had set Sept 24, 25 and 26 for the incomplete arguments in the case. Case proceedings were to begin at 10:30am.

Though the court convened on Monday, the arguments were put off after the defence lawyers said they would be filing a no confidence motion.

Masud Ahmed Talukdar and Sanaullah Miah represented Khaleda at the hearing.

Mosharraf Hossain Kajol represented the Anti-Corruption Commission. Dhaka Metropolitan Court Special Public Prosecutor Abdullah Abu was also present.