Incarcerated BNP chief Khaleda Zia has refused to go to the special court set up in the administrative building of the old central jail.
The court will decide whether to continue the Zia Charitable Trust graft trial in absence of Khaleda on Thursday (Sept 13).
Dhaka Special Judge-5 Md Akhtaruzzaman gave the order on Wednesday when Khaleda refused to appear in courtroom set up inside the premises of the old Dhaka central jail.

After hearing from the defense and the state counsel, Judge Akhtaruzzaman told Khaleda’s counsels: “She told prison authorities that she will not appear before the court. She is unwilling to attend the hearing.”

The judge then asked Khaleda’s counsels, “What does the law stipulate about carrying on trial in absence of the key accused?”
He also wanted a legal explanation to be submitted in writing on Thursday (Sept 13).
Counsels of all the defendants in the case including, the BNP chief, pleaded to adjourn the court for the day.
Prosecutor Mosharraf Hossain Kajol told the makeshift court, “The defendants are describing this court as illegal, on the other hand seeking bail. We are proceeding the trial with due respect for the prime accused. However, she is not cooperating with the court intentionally.”
The Anti Corruption Commission counsel pleaded the court to move ahead with the trial proceeding in Khaleda’s absence.
A three-time premier Khaleda is serving a 5-year-sentence in Nazimuddin Road’s old prison after being convicted of embezzling foreign donations made to the zia orphanage trust.