A Dhaka court on Tuesday gave the defence four months to start hearing in 11 cases, including one filed for sedition, against former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and others.
Judge KM Emrul Kayesh of the Dhaka’s Metropolitan Sessions Court fixed January 23 for hearing after accepting a time plea submitted by Khaleda’s counsels.
The lawyers told the court that the High Court had stayed proceedings of most of these 11 cases.
Additional Public Prosecutor Taposh Kumar Paul confirmed the matter to Bangla Tribune.
Of the cases, eight were filed with Darussalam police station and two with Jatrabari police. The sedation case was filed for making controversial remarks on the number of martyrs in the 1971 Liberation War.
On Monday, the government once again extended the suspension of Khaleda Zia's jail sentence for another six months on health grounds.
Three other corruption cases involving Gatco, Niko and Barapukuria coal mine deals are now pending with as many courts in Dhaka.
Another court in Dhaka is currently hearing two more cases against the BNP chief over desecration of the national flag by inducting war criminals into her cabinet and the celebration of her "false birthday" on August 15, when the nation mourns the killing of its founding father.
Moreover, several other cases are also being heard at courts in Comilla, including three for arson filed with the Chauddagram police station.
