Home World Politics Bangladesh Supreme Court Acquits Khaleda Zia in Graft Case

Bangladesh Supreme Court Acquits Khaleda Zia in Graft Case

Khaleda Zia acquitted in graft case
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Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has acquitted former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in the final corruption case against her, paving the way for her to run in the next election. This ruling, delivered by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, also cleared charges against the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other defendants in the Zia Orphanage trust case.

Background on Khaleda Zia’s Legal Troubles

Khaleda Zia, who is 79 years old, had faced a total of 17 years in prison. Including a 10-year sentence in the orphanage case and a seven-year sentence in another corruption Graft Case. She was acquitted in November 2024 after the ousting of her longtime rival, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The recent Supreme Court verdict marks a significant judicial victory for Zia and her party, the BNP. Which has historically been a major player in Bangladesh’s political landscape alongside Hasina’s Awami League.

Legal Proceedings and Acquittal

Zia was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2018 for allegedly embezzling $250,000 in government funds during her tenure as Prime Minister. This sentence was later increased to 10 years by the High Court. However, following years of legal battles, the Supreme Court accepted her appeal and determined that the prosecution was “malicious” and driven by a desire for revenge. As a result, Khaleda Zia and her co-defendants have been cleared of all charges in the orphanage Graft Case.

Impact on Future Elections

The Supreme Court’s decision enables Zia to contest the next elections. As Bangladeshi law prohibits individuals imprisoned for over two years from running for political office for five years after their release. This ruling has significant implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape, particularly given the ongoing power struggles. The need for a transparent electoral process.

Bangladesh’s Political Climate

Bangladesh has been experiencing political turmoil since the August 2024 protests that led to the removal of Hasina’s government. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has suggested that the next general election could occur by the end of 2025. The BNP is pressing for a clear timeline for elections, aiming for a vote by August 2025.

Conclusion

Khaleda Zia’s acquittal is a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s politics. As she re-emerges as a key player following years of legal challenges. With the political landscape shifting dramatically. Her return to the electoral arena could have profound implications for the future of governance in Bangladesh. Zia, who has been undergoing medical treatment in London, is expected to leverage this newfound opportunity. To regain her political footing and influence the country’s direction in the coming years.

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