Khaleda Zia shifted back to jail in Niko graft case

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was taken to a makeshift court at the old Central Jail from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on Thursday to be produced before it for hearing of Niko graft case.

A black SUV carrying Khaleda reached the old central jail in the capital's Nazimuddin Road around 11:40 am, according to jail sources.

Following the hearing, she will be taken back to the jail, they said.

Several police vehicles escorted her to the old Central Jail from the hospital in the morning.

Earlier on Wednesday, the law ministry issued a gazette notification saying that the trial of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and others accused in the Niko corruption case will be held at a makeshift court in Old Dhaka central jail.

The ministry issued the gazette notification transferring the court citing security reasons.

According to the gazette, room no 7 of the old central jail's administration building will be the venue for the makeshift court.

Meanwhile, a huge number of police, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Detective Branch (DB) of police and Ansar members was deployed in and around Nazimuddin Road to maintain law and order as well as security.

Earlier on October 6, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was admitted to BSMMU after prison authorities shifted her there from jail for better treatment in response to a court order.

On October 4, the High Court directed the government to immediately admit Khaleda Zia to the BSMMU and form a 5-member medical board afresh for her treatment.

Khaleda Zia was in the erstwhile Dhaka Central Jail at Nazimuddin Road since she was sentenced to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8.

Source: unb