CJ dubs behavior of pro-BNP lawyers as unprecedented

Pointing to the pro-BNP lawyers, Chief Justice (CJ) Syed Mahmud Hossain said, “Everything should have a limit. The way you have behaved at the courtroom is unprecedented.”

The chief justice came up with the comment while talking about the situation created centring the next bail hearing of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case on Thursday morning.

During the hearing, BNP lawyers locked into an altercation and began unprecedented outcry. As a result, judges left the courtroom.

The hearing on the bail pleas filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case began at the six-member Appellate Division bench, led by the chief justice.

Meanwhile, the bench deferred until December 12 the hearing on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s bail petition. The court also asked the medical board formed to treat Khaleda Zia to submit a report on her health condition before within December 12.

On November 28, the six-member Appellate Division bench deferred the hearing on the bail petition in the case until December 5. The Appellate Division directed to submit former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s medical report by December 5. But the hospital authorities did not submit any medical report.

Khaleda moved the apex court on November 14 challenging a High Court order that turned down her bail petition in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.

The High Court on September 11 rejected Khaleda’s bail petition in the case. Her bail petitions were turned down twice earlier on July 31 and September 3.

On August 8, 2011, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the Zia Charitable Trust case with Tejgaon police against four people, including Khaleda. They were accused of abusing power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

Meanwhile, heavy security measures were taken in the Supreme Court ahead of announcing bail order.

Dhaka/Mahadi/AI