M Humayun Kabir: BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday told the trial court to punish her as much as it wants, punish her as long as it wants as there is “no justice here”.
The three times former premier said this after appearing before Special Judge Court-5 set for the first time at old central jail in Nazimuddin Road in Old Dhaka in connection with Zia Charitable Trust graft case, reports The Daily Star.
The BNP chief who entered the court on a wheelchair around 12:24 pm told the court, “Punish me as much as you want, punish me as long as you want.”
The Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman of the Special Court-5 adjourned the hearing till September 12.
Clad in a pink dress, the BNP chairperson was seen having difficulty to move her left hand.
During trial proceedings, she asked the court “The decision to shift the court was taken a week ago, then why the gazette notification was issued yesterday (Tuesday).”
Replying to query on her health condition, Khaleda, while leaving the courtroom, told journalists that her left foot and hand have almost been paralysed.”
The BNP chief alleged that her lawyers were not allowed to defend her.
On February 8, Khaleda Zia was sentenced to a five-year imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. Since then, she is now in jail.
Previously, the trial proceedings in the corruption case have taken place at a makeshift court in Bakshibazar area of Old Dhaka.
The Anti-Corruption Commission had filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case against Khaleda and three others with Tejgaon Police Station in August, 2011.
According to the case statement, the former prime minister and three others abused their power and raised funds for the trust from unknown sources.