Khaleda in court

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has arrived in a Dhaka court to attend a hearing over Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Her motorcade reached the premises of the special court set up at Old Dhaka's Alia Madrasa around 12:20pm. Earlier around 11:20am, she started from her Gulshan residence, her Press Secretary Maruf Kamal Khan said. Khaleda Zia last appeared on November 9 before the court but had remained absent due to security problems several dates since then. Meanwhile, the BNP has strongly criticised the government for appointing a new judge to try Khaleda Zia in two corruption cases and fears the party chief will be denied justice. The party challenged appointment of judge Basudeb Roy, who indicted Khaleda, saying chances of justice in his court were slim. The party claims Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust corruption cases are ‘politically motivated’. Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday threatened agitation if the cases were not withdrawn, according to a news agency.