Khaleda's lawyers get verdict copy

The lawyers of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia finally received on Monday afternoon the certified copy of the verdict sentencing the BNP chief to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, reports UNB.
Khaleda's lawyer Advocate Sanaullah Mia received the 1174-page copy of the verdict around 4:30 pm.
On February 8 last, the court read out a 632-page summarised version of the verdict and it released the full 1174-page copy of the verdict on Monday.
On Sunday, Khaleda's lawyers filed a petition with the Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 seeking the copy of the judgment after having failed to receive it even 11 days after the verdict.
On February 8, the special court convicted the former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson and sentenced her to the five years' imprisonment.
She was then sent to the old central jail on the Nazimuddin Road in the city.
On the same day, BNP lawyers sought a certified copy of the verdict to file an appeal against the imprisonment but they were yet to get it.
When contacted, BNP standing committee member and one of Khaleda's counsels Moudud Ahmed said they would now examine the verdict and find out its loopholes.
"It'll take at least two to three days to examine the verdict and different documents and statements of the witnesses, and to prepare for filing an appeal with the High Court against it," he told the news agency.
The BNP leader said they would try to file the appeal and seek bail for Khaleda as early as possible.
He alleged that the court could have given the copy much earlier after the announcement of the verdict. "The unnecessary delay was made only to prolong our leader's (Khaleda's) stay in jail and keep her in pain."
According to online media, the BNP chief's lawyers were set to meet on Monday night to decide on filing an appeal against the court verdict. The meeting was scheduled to be held at the Dhanmandi residence of former attorney general AJ Mohammad Ali.
On the other hand, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AKM Nurul Huda said on Monday the BNP Chairperson would not be able to participate in the upcoming general election in the present state.
"In the present situation, Khaleda Zia can't participate in the polls but if the High Court permits, she can contest it. And I hope Khaleda Zia will take part in the polls overcoming all the difficulties," he said while talking to reporters after meeting Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain at the Supreme Court.
"Khaleda is now considered an accused as she's yet to file an appeal to the High Court. So, she can't take part in the polls now. We'll take the decision after the court directive," he said.
Replying to queries from reporters about his meeting with the Chief Justice, Nurul Huda said, "It was a courtesy call on, no major issue came up for discussion at the meeting."