Will Khaleda appeal against the verdict today?

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s lawyers, who have been waiting for the certified copy of the trial court’s verdict in the graft case, might not file an appeal with the High Court today. The lawyers said that even if the trial court issues the full judgement on Sunday, it would take time for the lawyers to study the verdict and finalise the appeal petition. It is up to the trial court on which day it would issue the full judgement, lawyers said. Pro-BNP senior lawyers worked on preparing background texts and format of the appeal until last night, said lawyers. Once they get the certified copy of the verdict, they might take a day to study and file the appeal. They will challenge the verdict, seek stay on the verdict and also prayed for the BNP chief’s bail with the High Court. Supreme Court Bar Association President and BNP Leader Advocate Zainul Abedin, however, told Dhaka Tribune that they would hopefully file the appeal on Sunday if they got the copy. “We have made all preparations. We will file the appeal as soon as we get the certified copy.” Barrister Moudud Ahmed said they would file the appeal by Monday or Tuesday after getting the copy. Lawyers said that High Court bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim or Justice Md Shawkat Hossain and Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder might hear the petition once it is filed. On Thursday a special court in Dhaka sentenced Khaleda to five years in jail while her elder son BNP Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman, and four others were sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. Except Khaleda, others were given a fine of TK 2.10 crore each. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case in July 2008 accusing the six of misappropriating over Tk 2.1 crore which came from a foreign bank as grants for orphans. The court said that charges against Khaleda were proved beyond doubt but she was given lenient punishment considering her physical condition and social status. On whether the Anti-Corruption Commission would also appeal to increase punishment for Khaleda and others, ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam told Dhaka Tribune that the decision depends entirely on the commission. “The commission is yet to direct us to file any appeal. If they do, we will move forward,” he said.