HC gives split order on Khaleda writ

A High Court bench has issued a split verdict on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s appeal challenging the legality of appointment of a lower court judge who indicted her in two corruption cases. Khaleda filed the two petitions on May 12. While Justice Farah Mahbub issued a ruling and ordered stopping the proceedings, the other judge Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo wanted to scrap the petition. Dhaka’s Special Judge Basudeb Roy indicted the former prime minister in ‘Zia Charitable Trust’ and ‘Zia Orphanage Trust’ cases on March 19. In her petitions, Khaleda sought an order declaring Roy’s appointment without publishing any gazette notification as illegal and void. Khaleda also sought a stay order on the proceedings of the two cases. As per rule, the matter will now be forwarded to the Chief Justice as a result of the split verdict. He will assign a third bench to hear the pleas, according to bdnews24.com.