Barapukuria Graft Case Charge Framing Hearing against Khaleda Adjourned

A Dhaka court today again adjourned – till September 25, 2022 – the charge framing hearing in the Barapukuria coal mine graft case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and six others.

Today, the defence has so far sought adjournment of the charge framing hearing for 40 dates on various grounds, according to the prosecution.

Judge ASM Ruhul Imran of the Special Judge's Court-2 of Dhaka passed the order after a petition was filed with the court on behalf of BNP leader Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, seeking an adjournment of the hearing, defense lawyer Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukder told the media.

Khaleda, who is now out of jail following an executive order of the government, is unwell and she was recently admitted to Evercare Hospital with heart problems. Her personal appearance at the court was exempted earlier.

In Khaleda's absence, Masud represented the 76-year-old former prime minister today.

During today's hearing, four accused including BNP leader Dr Khondaker Mosharraf were present at the court while BNP leader Altaf Hossain Chowdhury was absent following submitting a petition.

Another accused Md Sirajul Islam has been absconding since the case was filed against him.

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