As tension soared before the general election on December 30, Bangladesh Nationalist Party started their campaign at Gazipur district in Dhaka division on Saturday.

Begum Selima, a former government minister campaigning for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the newly formed opposition alliance National Unity Front, urged supporters to not let the ruling Bangladesh Awami League party led by prime minister Sheikh Hasina intimidate them.

"The ruling party is not allowing the opposition parties to come out on the street to campaign. No rally, no meeting, they want to do that so they are the only ones to campaign, to make a one party election and to come into power again. But the people of Bangladesh will not allow this, they are with us," she said.

On December 14, Jatiya Oikyafront leader Kamal Hossain's motorcade was attacked allegedly by the&nbsp;ruling party activists.

He was attacked in the city while he was coming back from a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan.

Though the leader was unhurt, his twelve supporters were injured in the incident.

The Jatiya Oikyafront is an alliance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Nagorik Oikya.

The Oikyafront was formed on October 13 with the demand of holding a national election under a neutral government after the dissolution of parliament and release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

Bangladeshi elections are often violent and marred by ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation.

For years, politics has been defined by fierce rivalry between two women -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who leads the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's independence hero Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh's history and is seeking a third straight term.

She began a second term in 2014, after an election boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Until two months ago, the BNP was in disarray following the jailing in February of Khaleda, on charges she said were politically motivated.

But the BNP joined hands with smaller parties to form the alliance led by Hossain in October, setting the stage for a more competitive race.

As tension soared before the general election on December 30, Bangladesh Nationalist Party started their campaign at Gazipur district in Dhaka division on Saturday.

As tension soared before the general election on December 30, Bangladesh Nationalist Party started their campaign at Gazipur district in Dhaka division on Saturday. Begum Selima, a former government minister campaigning for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the newly formed opposition alliance National Unity Front, urged supporters to not let the ruling Bangladesh Awami League party led by prime minister Sheikh Hasina intimidate them. "The ruling party is not allowing the opposition parties to come out on the street to campaign. No rally, no meeting, they want to do that so they are the only ones to campaign, to make a one party election and to come into power again. But the people of Bangladesh will not allow this, they are with us," she said. On December 14, Jatiya Oikyafront leader Kamal Hossain's motorcade was attacked allegedly by the ruling party activists. He was attacked in the city while he was coming back from a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan. Though the leader was unhurt, his twelve supporters were injured in the incident. The Jatiya Oikyafront is an alliance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Nagorik Oikya. The Oikyafront was formed on October 13 with the demand of holding a national election under a neutral government after the dissolution of parliament and release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail. Bangladeshi elections are often violent and marred by ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation. For years, politics has been defined by fierce rivalry between two women -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who leads the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's independence hero Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh's history and is seeking a third straight term. She began a second term in 2014, after an election boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Until two months ago, the BNP was in disarray following the jailing in February of Khaleda, on charges she said were politically motivated. But the BNP joined hands with smaller parties to form the alliance led by Hossain in October, setting the stage for a more competitive race.

Bangladesh: As tension soar before general election, opposition alliance campaigns outside Dhaka

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls.

One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, court officials and lawyers said.

"As the two judges could not reach a consensus, in line with the practice, they referred the matter to the chief justice who will now send the case to another bench for hearing the case," an official said.

The ruling came after 73-year-old Zia challenged an earlier decision of the Election Commission to scrap her candidacy as the ex-premier filed nomination papers for contesting polls from three constituencies.

Senior judge of the bench Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed in his ruling asked the EC to accept Zia's nomination and simultaneously sought the commission's explanation on why its decision to scrap her candidacy should not be declared illegal.

But the other judge Justice Iqbal Kabir, on the other hand, blocked Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Zia from contesting the polls.

Zia on December 9 had challenged the EC order disqualifying her from contesting the polls while the High Court had earlier ruled that those jailed for more than two years, with their appeals pending in court, cannot contest polls.

She has been in prison since February this year when a lower court sentenced her to a five-year term in the first of two corruption cases while a special court in Dhaka has ordered her appearance in a third graft case.

Meanwhile, formal campaigning for the polls started on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began the campaign for her Awami League from southwestern Tungipara sub-district, the birthplace of her father and Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated in a 1975 coup along with most of his family members.

Hasina is contesting polls from the Tungipara constituency while she is set to travel across Bangladesh to rally support for her party candidates and alliance partners, including former president H M Ershad's Jatiya Party.

The Awami League's arch-rival BNP also launched its campaign in the absence of party chairperson Zia and her son and 'fugitive' acting chief Tarique Rahman.

Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists.

The absence of the two top BNP leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray.

The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years.

Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within.

The BNP recently joined the new opposition alliance National Unity Front (NUF) under the leadership of eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls.

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls. One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, court officials and lawyers said. "As the two judges could not reach a consensus, in line with the practice, they referred the matter to the chief justice who will now send the case to another bench for hearing the case," an official said. The ruling came after 73-year-old Zia challenged an earlier decision of the Election Commission to scrap her candidacy as the ex-premier filed nomination papers for contesting polls from three constituencies. Senior judge of the bench Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed in his ruling asked the EC to accept Zia's nomination and simultaneously sought the commission's explanation on why its decision to scrap her candidacy should not be declared illegal. But the other judge Justice Iqbal Kabir, on the other hand, blocked Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Zia from contesting the polls. Zia on December 9 had challenged the EC order disqualifying her from contesting the polls while the High Court had earlier ruled that those jailed for more than two years, with their appeals pending in court, cannot contest polls. She has been in prison since February this year when a lower court sentenced her to a five-year term in the first of two corruption cases while a special court in Dhaka has ordered her appearance in a third graft case. Meanwhile, formal campaigning for the polls started on Tuesday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began the campaign for her Awami League from southwestern Tungipara sub-district, the birthplace of her father and Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated in a 1975 coup along with most of his family members. Hasina is contesting polls from the Tungipara constituency while she is set to travel across Bangladesh to rally support for her party candidates and alliance partners, including former president H M Ershad's Jatiya Party. The Awami League's arch-rival BNP also launched its campaign in the absence of party chairperson Zia and her son and 'fugitive' acting chief Tarique Rahman. Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The absence of the two top BNP leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray. The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years. Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within. The BNP recently joined the new opposition alliance National Unity Front (NUF) under the leadership of eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.

Bangladesh High Court splits its judgement on permitting BNP's Khaleda Zia to contest polls

Political clashes in Bangladesh left two campaign workers dead and injured dozens more, police said on Wednesday, as tensions soared before a general election on December 30.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-to-challenge-pm-hasina-in-election-176659">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> of the ruling Awami League Party is seeking a third straight term as formal election campaigning got underway on Monday.

Her old rival, Khaleda Zia, who leads the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in jail after being convicted on charges she says were politically motivated.

The BNP boycotted the last election, in 2014, as unfair, but has said it will take part this time, though it is seeking international monitors of polls it believes will be flawed.

Workers from the two parties clashed on Tuesday in two districts outside the capital Dhaka, leaving two Awami League campaigners dead, police said.

Police in the Noakhali and Faridpur districts said cases had been opened against 45 people and more arrests were expected.

"The returning officer has convened a meeting of both parties to avoid such an incident in future," said Elias Sharif, superintendent of police in Noakhali.

Awami League spokesman Hasan Mahmud accused the BNP of trying to "foil a peaceful environment and for that they are attacking our people".

The BNP denied the accusation and said at least 200 of its supporters were injured. It also accused Awami League workers of attacking the motorcade of the BNP general secretary, a charge denied by Hasan.

Elections in Bangladesh are typically marred by violence, but tensions are particularly high during this campaign season. The BNP says scores of its workers have been detained in recent months on fictitious charges.

Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for over two decades, are bitter rivals, and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

While the BNP has joined smaller opposition parties to form the United National Front, the alliance does not have a clear candidate for prime minister. BNP lawyers are still working for Khaleda's release before the December 30 vote.

Awami League "supporters and workers are desperate to keep us away from the election as they are contemplating a massive defeat," said Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the BNP's senior joint secretary general.

Political clashes in Bangladesh left two campaign workers dead and injured dozens more, police said on Wednesday, as tensions soared before a general election on December 30.

Political clashes in Bangladesh left two campaign workers dead and injured dozens more, police said on Wednesday, as tensions soared before a general election on December 30. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the ruling Awami League Party is seeking a third straight term as formal election campaigning got underway on Monday. Her old rival, Khaleda Zia, who leads the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in jail after being convicted on charges she says were politically motivated. The BNP boycotted the last election, in 2014, as unfair, but has said it will take part this time, though it is seeking international monitors of polls it believes will be flawed. Workers from the two parties clashed on Tuesday in two districts outside the capital Dhaka, leaving two Awami League campaigners dead, police said. Police in the Noakhali and Faridpur districts said cases had been opened against 45 people and more arrests were expected. "The returning officer has convened a meeting of both parties to avoid such an incident in future," said Elias Sharif, superintendent of police in Noakhali. Awami League spokesman Hasan Mahmud accused the BNP of trying to "foil a peaceful environment and for that they are attacking our people". The BNP denied the accusation and said at least 200 of its supporters were injured. It also accused Awami League workers of attacking the motorcade of the BNP general secretary, a charge denied by Hasan. Elections in Bangladesh are typically marred by violence, but tensions are particularly high during this campaign season. The BNP says scores of its workers have been detained in recent months on fictitious charges. Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for over two decades, are bitter rivals, and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics. While the BNP has joined smaller opposition parties to form the United National Front, the alliance does not have a clear candidate for prime minister. BNP lawyers are still working for Khaleda's release before the December 30 vote. Awami League "supporters and workers are desperate to keep us away from the election as they are contemplating a massive defeat," said Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the BNP's senior joint secretary general.

Two dead, dozens injured in Bangladesh clashes as election nears

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a>'s opposition party Sunday said nearly 2,000 of its supporters have been arrested on trumped-up charges in a crackdown aimed at derailing its campaign just weeks from a general election.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-to-challenge-pm-hasina-in-election-176659">Bangladesh Nationalist Party</a>, which is seeking to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 30, said at least 1,972 party officials and grassroots campaigners had been detained since the election was announced a month ago.

The arrests are yet another blow for a beleaguered opposition whose leader Khaleda Zia has been jailed for corruption and barred from running against arch-rival Hasina, who is seeking a third consecutive term.

The opposition boycotted the 2014 election, saying it was rigged against Zia in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party.

BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP the majority of party cadres rounded up since late November in the police sweep were still behind bars.

"They have filed hundreds of ghost, or fictitious cases, against our party workers and leaders," he said.

Another party official said at least 11 opposition candidates had also been detained before official campaigning begins Monday.

"Six of them are still in the jail," said the official, who declined to be named.

Police have said those arrested had outstanding warrants or were wanted over alleged connections to ongoing cases.

Ahmed denied this, saying the crackdown was a political "blueprint" by the ruling party to intimidate its opponents.

"The government wants to hold a lopsided election. These arrests are just to create fear among the people so that they don't go to vote," he said.

The opposition also accused police officials in Chittagong, a southern city, of campaigning on behalf of the Awami League. Police in the port city denied the allegations.

The arrests further hinder an already battered alliance of opposition parties, led by the BNP, which have seen their core leadership jailed on charges they say are fabricated.

Zia, a two-time former prime minister and friend-turned-foe to Hasina, was last month ordered by a court to stay behind bars for a decade for graft.

Her supporters say the charges are politically motivated to stymie Hasina's chief political threat.

Zia's son, a potential heir to the BNP throne, was sentenced in absentia to life behind bars while hundreds of other loyalists have been arrested or jailed, party officials say.

Just a month from the polls, the BNP has not announced an alternative candidate to run against Hasina, whose rule has been marred by allegations of rights abuses and intolerance for dissent.

Bangladesh has been led by either Zia or Hasina since the 1990s and the two powerful women have turned from close allies to fierce enemies.

Hasina has refused to allow a caretaker government to oversee the country during the campaign period.

Bangladesh's opposition party Sunday said nearly 2,000 of its supporters have been arrested on trumped-up charges in a crackdown aimed at derailing its campaign just weeks from a general election.

Bangladesh's opposition party Sunday said nearly 2,000 of its supporters have been arrested on trumped-up charges in a crackdown aimed at derailing its campaign just weeks from a general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which is seeking to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 30, said at least 1,972 party officials and grassroots campaigners had been detained since the election was announced a month ago. The arrests are yet another blow for a beleaguered opposition whose leader Khaleda Zia has been jailed for corruption and barred from running against arch-rival Hasina, who is seeking a third consecutive term. The opposition boycotted the 2014 election, saying it was rigged against Zia in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP the majority of party cadres rounded up since late November in the police sweep were still behind bars. "They have filed hundreds of ghost, or fictitious cases, against our party workers and leaders," he said. Another party official said at least 11 opposition candidates had also been detained before official campaigning begins Monday. "Six of them are still in the jail," said the official, who declined to be named. Police have said those arrested had outstanding warrants or were wanted over alleged connections to ongoing cases. Ahmed denied this, saying the crackdown was a political "blueprint" by the ruling party to intimidate its opponents. "The government wants to hold a lopsided election. These arrests are just to create fear among the people so that they don't go to vote," he said. The opposition also accused police officials in Chittagong, a southern city, of campaigning on behalf of the Awami League. Police in the port city denied the allegations. The arrests further hinder an already battered alliance of opposition parties, led by the BNP, which have seen their core leadership jailed on charges they say are fabricated. Zia, a two-time former prime minister and friend-turned-foe to Hasina, was last month ordered by a court to stay behind bars for a decade for graft. Her supporters say the charges are politically motivated to stymie Hasina's chief political threat. Zia's son, a potential heir to the BNP throne, was sentenced in absentia to life behind bars while hundreds of other loyalists have been arrested or jailed, party officials say. Just a month from the polls, the BNP has not announced an alternative candidate to run against Hasina, whose rule has been marred by allegations of rights abuses and intolerance for dissent. Bangladesh has been led by either Zia or Hasina since the 1990s and the two powerful women have turned from close allies to fierce enemies. Hasina has refused to allow a caretaker government to oversee the country during the campaign period.

Bangladesh party says hundreds of supporters held before polls

Quashing the political ambitions of jailed ex-Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, the election authority on Sunday rejected her nomination papers from three constituencies, citing her convictions in two corruption cases.&nbsp;

The Election Commission's decision came four days after the Bangladesh High Court ruled that a person jailed for more than two years cannot contest polls.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old ex-premier is currently serving jail terms in two graft cases involving charities named after her slain husband Ziaur Rahman.&nbsp;

Zia had filed nomination papers from three constituencies -- two from northwestern Bogra and one from southeastern Feni -- for the December 30 polls, but the returning officers of the two districts scrapped her nominations as she was convicted by the court, an EC spokesperson said.

Nearly 104.2 million people, including some 51.6 million women, are registered as voters. They will elect 300 representatives to Parliament through the balloting in about 40,199 polling stations.

As per election rules, a candidate declared unfit to contest polls can appeal to an EC tribunal for revised decisions or could challenge the commission decision to the High Court.&nbsp;

Besides Zia, the nomination of 15 high-profile candidates were also disqualified on different grounds, the spokesperson said.

Zia has been in custody since February 8, when the Dhaka Special Court convicted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sentenced her to five years of imprisonment for embezzling 21 million Bangladeshi Taka (252,504) in foreign donations meant for the Trust. On October 30, the High Court doubled her jail term to 10 years.

On October 29, a trial court convicted her in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case and sentenced her to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 1 million (12,024).

Zia was made vice-chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the largest political opposition of the country, in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now.

In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times.

During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption.&nbsp;

The BNP continued to remain in a state of political disarray with Zia in prison and her "fugitive" elder son Tarique Rahman, who is the vice chairman of the party, staying in London after a Dhaka court recently sentenced him life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a political rally in 2004.&nbsp;

The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League (AL) government over fears that it would be rigged, has set up an alliance with the newly formed National Unity Front (NUF) led by eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.

Bangladesh politics is deeply divided, with rivals Hasina and Zia, popularly referred to as "Battling Begums", ruling the country alternately since 1991, when democracy was restored in the Islamic nation.

Both the women emerged from political dynasties. While Zia is the widow of Ziaur Rahman, a general-turned-president who was assassinated in 1981, Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's first president who was assassinated in 1975.&nbsp;

Quashing the political ambitions of jailed ex-Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, the election authority on Sunday rejected her nomination papers from three constituencies, citing her convictions in two corruption cases.

Quashing the political ambitions of jailed ex-Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, the election authority on Sunday rejected her nomination papers from three constituencies, citing her convictions in two corruption cases. The Election Commission's decision came four days after the Bangladesh High Court ruled that a person jailed for more than two years cannot contest polls. The 73-year-old ex-premier is currently serving jail terms in two graft cases involving charities named after her slain husband Ziaur Rahman. Zia had filed nomination papers from three constituencies -- two from northwestern Bogra and one from southeastern Feni -- for the December 30 polls, but the returning officers of the two districts scrapped her nominations as she was convicted by the court, an EC spokesperson said. Nearly 104.2 million people, including some 51.6 million women, are registered as voters. They will elect 300 representatives to Parliament through the balloting in about 40,199 polling stations. As per election rules, a candidate declared unfit to contest polls can appeal to an EC tribunal for revised decisions or could challenge the commission decision to the High Court. Besides Zia, the nomination of 15 high-profile candidates were also disqualified on different grounds, the spokesperson said. Zia has been in custody since February 8, when the Dhaka Special Court convicted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sentenced her to five years of imprisonment for embezzling 21 million Bangladeshi Taka (252,504) in foreign donations meant for the Trust. On October 30, the High Court doubled her jail term to 10 years. On October 29, a trial court convicted her in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case and sentenced her to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 1 million (12,024). Zia was made vice-chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the largest political opposition of the country, in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now. In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times. During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption. The BNP continued to remain in a state of political disarray with Zia in prison and her "fugitive" elder son Tarique Rahman, who is the vice chairman of the party, staying in London after a Dhaka court recently sentenced him life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a political rally in 2004. The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League (AL) government over fears that it would be rigged, has set up an alliance with the newly formed National Unity Front (NUF) led by eminent jurist Kamal Hossain. Bangladesh politics is deeply divided, with rivals Hasina and Zia, popularly referred to as "Battling Begums", ruling the country alternately since 1991, when democracy was restored in the Islamic nation. Both the women emerged from political dynasties. While Zia is the widow of Ziaur Rahman, a general-turned-president who was assassinated in 1981, Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's first president who was assassinated in 1975.

Bangladesh polls: EC rejects nomination of jailed ex-premier Zia

In a major setback to jailed former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, a top court Tuesday ruled that a person jailed for more than two years cannot contest polls, effectively ruining her chance to participate in the December 30 polls.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson, who is convicted in two graft cases, cannot contest the upcoming 11th general election next month.&nbsp;

"She is disqualified from taking part in the upcoming elections," Alam told a press conference, hours after the High Court issued a rule saying persons jailed for more than two years even if their appeals are pending with the courts cannot contest the polls.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old ex-premier is currently serving jail terms in two graft cases involving charities named after her slain husband Ziaur Rahman.&nbsp;

She has been in custody since February 8, when Dhaka Special Court convicted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sentenced her to five years of imprisonment for embezzling 21 million Bangladeshi Taka ($252,504) in foreign donations meant for the Trust. On October 30, the High Court doubled her jail term to 10 years.

On October 29, a trial court convicted her in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case and sentenced her to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 1 million ($12,024).

The High Court order came as the BNP, which boycotted the 2014 elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League (AL) government, was set to contest the polls in alliance with the newly formed National Unity Front (NUF) led by eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.

The chief state counsel said even if Zia was released from jail before November 28, the deadline of filing the nomination papers, the Constitution would not allow her to contest the polls and "she will have to wait for five more years after her acquittal to take part in the elections".

As per Bangladesh's Constitution, a person sentenced to imprisonment for two years or above for a criminal offence cannot take part in an election unless five years have elapsed since his/her release.&nbsp;

The two-judge High Court bench comprising Justice Mohammad Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice KM Hafizul Alam passed the order, rejecting separate petitions filed by five BNP leaders, including Zia's adviser Amanullah Aman, seeking a stay on their convictions and sentences in graft cases.

The Attorney General said, "If the court allows them to take part in the next general election by staying their conviction, it will go against Article 66 of the Constitution...So the court scrapped their pleas."&nbsp;

Zia was made vice-chairperson of the BNP, the largest political opposition of the country, in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now.

In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times. 
During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption.&nbsp;

In a major setback to jailed former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, a top court Tuesday ruled that a person jailed for more than two years cannot contest polls, effectively ruining her chance to participate in the December 30 polls.

In a major setback to jailed former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, a top court Tuesday ruled that a person jailed for more than two years cannot contest polls, effectively ruining her chance to participate in the December 30 polls. Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson, who is convicted in two graft cases, cannot contest the upcoming 11th general election next month. "She is disqualified from taking part in the upcoming elections," Alam told a press conference, hours after the High Court issued a rule saying persons jailed for more than two years even if their appeals are pending with the courts cannot contest the polls. The 73-year-old ex-premier is currently serving jail terms in two graft cases involving charities named after her slain husband Ziaur Rahman. She has been in custody since February 8, when Dhaka Special Court convicted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sentenced her to five years of imprisonment for embezzling 21 million Bangladeshi Taka ($252,504) in foreign donations meant for the Trust. On October 30, the High Court doubled her jail term to 10 years. On October 29, a trial court convicted her in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case and sentenced her to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 1 million ($12,024). The High Court order came as the BNP, which boycotted the 2014 elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League (AL) government, was set to contest the polls in alliance with the newly formed National Unity Front (NUF) led by eminent jurist Kamal Hossain. The chief state counsel said even if Zia was released from jail before November 28, the deadline of filing the nomination papers, the Constitution would not allow her to contest the polls and "she will have to wait for five more years after her acquittal to take part in the elections". As per Bangladesh's Constitution, a person sentenced to imprisonment for two years or above for a criminal offence cannot take part in an election unless five years have elapsed since his/her release. The two-judge High Court bench comprising Justice Mohammad Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice KM Hafizul Alam passed the order, rejecting separate petitions filed by five BNP leaders, including Zia's adviser Amanullah Aman, seeking a stay on their convictions and sentences in graft cases. The Attorney General said, "If the court allows them to take part in the next general election by staying their conviction, it will go against Article 66 of the Constitution...So the court scrapped their pleas." Zia was made vice-chairperson of the BNP, the largest political opposition of the country, in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now. In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times. During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption.

Bangladesh court bars Khaleda Zia from contesting next month's polls 

Ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia barred from polls

A group of opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said on Sunday it plans to contest the December 23 general election, despite the ruling party last week rejecting a series of its demands.

The Jatiya Oikyafront, a 20-party alliance led by 81-year-old Dr Kamal Hossain, had, in particular, wanted a caretaker government to take over in the weeks heading into the polls. The BNP says a caretaker government is essential for free and fair elections, but the ruling Awami League says the demand is unconstitutional.

The BNP, which is in disarray following the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, had also pressed for a caretaker government at the 2014 election and boycotted it after the demand was not met. The last election was marred by deadly violence and shunned by international observers as flawed.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is seeking to be reelected for a third successive term.

“With the aim of rescuing democracy and a continuation of the movement to sustain a democratic process, Jatiya Oikyafront decided to participate in the election," said Hossain in a statement, following days of deliberations with alliance members.

Hasina’s government has won widespread global plaudits for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, but its critics have decried Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian rule. In particular, they have attacked her for the government’s heavy-handed handling of student protests this year and its crackdown on free speech.

While announcing the election date on Thursday, KM Nurul Huda, the head of Bangladesh’s Election Commission, urged all parties to participate in the election "to make it meaningful”.

Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

A group of opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said on Sunday it plans to contest the December 23 general election, despite the ruling party last week rejecting a series of its demands.

A group of opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said on Sunday it plans to contest the December 23 general election, despite the ruling party last week rejecting a series of its demands. The Jatiya Oikyafront, a 20-party alliance led by 81-year-old Dr Kamal Hossain, had, in particular, wanted a caretaker government to take over in the weeks heading into the polls. The BNP says a caretaker government is essential for free and fair elections, but the ruling Awami League says the demand is unconstitutional. The BNP, which is in disarray following the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, had also pressed for a caretaker government at the 2014 election and boycotted it after the demand was not met. The last election was marred by deadly violence and shunned by international observers as flawed. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is seeking to be reelected for a third successive term. “With the aim of rescuing democracy and a continuation of the movement to sustain a democratic process, Jatiya Oikyafront decided to participate in the election," said Hossain in a statement, following days of deliberations with alliance members. Hasina’s government has won widespread global plaudits for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, but its critics have decried Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian rule. In particular, they have attacked her for the government’s heavy-handed handling of student protests this year and its crackdown on free speech. While announcing the election date on Thursday, KM Nurul Huda, the head of Bangladesh’s Election Commission, urged all parties to participate in the election "to make it meaningful”. Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

Bangladesh opposition alliance to contest polls 'to rescue democracy'

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December.

Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League had agreed to unprecedented talks last week with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to discuss the arrangement, on Wednesday it declared the demand was unconstitutional.

"Our prime minister told them there is no provision in our constitution to form such a caretaker government," said Obaidul Quader, her party's secretary general.

The BNP, which is in disarray after the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, also pressed for a caretaker government at the last general election in 2014.

When that demand was not met, it boycotted the poll.

The party and its allies were still undecided whether to participate in the election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Reuters.

Quader said the Awami League would ensure a level playing field by preventing ministers from using government buildings or vehicles for the next three months.

Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

On Wednesday the Awami League also rejected BNP demands to reconsider Khaleda's sentence, which was doubled to 10 years on October 30, so ruling her out of December's contest.

"We told them the High Court already announced its verdict about Khaleda Zia," Quader said.

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December.

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League had agreed to unprecedented talks last week with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to discuss the arrangement, on Wednesday it declared the demand was unconstitutional. "Our prime minister told them there is no provision in our constitution to form such a caretaker government," said Obaidul Quader, her party's secretary general. The BNP, which is in disarray after the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, also pressed for a caretaker government at the last general election in 2014. When that demand was not met, it boycotted the poll. The party and its allies were still undecided whether to participate in the election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Reuters. Quader said the Awami League would ensure a level playing field by preventing ministers from using government buildings or vehicles for the next three months. Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics. On Wednesday the Awami League also rejected BNP demands to reconsider Khaleda's sentence, which was doubled to 10 years on October 30, so ruling her out of December's contest. "We told them the High Court already announced its verdict about Khaleda Zia," Quader said.

Bangladesh rejects opposition plea for caretaker government

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election.

Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges.

That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of loyalists from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison.

In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and embezzling 31.5 million taka ($375,000) destined for a charitable fund.

The verdict was handed down in a temporary courtroom inside Dhaka Central Jail where Zia -- who has been hospitalised for poor health -- is the only inmate.

Her lawyers, who were also absent during the verdict, have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance" by Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents.

The opposition vowed nationwide marches on Tuesday to protest against the guilty verdict.

"The people will never accept this judgement," BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters.

This fresh conviction is expected to further impede Zia's chances of challenging her erstwhile ally Hasina in an election slated for December.

Zia boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her arch-rival Hasina returned to power.

The BNP had been hoping a higher court would overturn Zia's earlier sentence, setting her free and paving the way for the veteran opposition leader to run against Hasina.

But the latest guilty verdict throws up more hurdles for the opposition, which says 4,000 of its supporters have been arrested since September in a pre-election crackdown.

Family feud&nbsp;

Prosecutor Khurshid A. Khan said the latest charges against Zia occurred in 2005, during her second term as prime minister of the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million.

"We finally got justice, despite some delay," he told AFP.

Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup.

She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless.

Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics.

In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th century jail.&nbsp;

A physician said earlier this month that arthritis had rendered Zia's left hand useless.

Her lawyers argued that the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison.

A special courtroom inside the prison was set up to fast track her trial -- a move her lawyers described as unconstitutional.

It is not Zia's first time in prison. She and her son Tarique Rahman spent one and a half years behind bars after being held by army-backed government in 2007 awaiting trial for alleged corruption.

Zia's sentencing was yet another blow for her political dynasty with Rahman, her eldest and heir apparent to the opposition movement, jailed for life in absentia this month.

He lives in exile in London.

Rahman was found guilty of playing a key role in a 2004 grenade attack on one of Hasina's political rallies, which injured the then opposition leader and killed at least 20 others.

Nineteen people were sentenced to death over the attack on Hasina, whose father led Bangladesh's push for independence from Pakistan and long feuded with Zia's own father, an opposition hero.

The guilty verdict comes at a time when the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary is under question.

In a recently-published best-selling memoir, a former chief justice alleged he was forced into exile last year after disagreeing with Bangladesh's powerful intelligence services over a case.

Another judge, who also lives in exile in Malaysia, made similar remarks in a television interview, alleging he was threatened to hand down a guilty verdict against Rahman.

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election.

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election. Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges. That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of loyalists from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison. In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and embezzling 31.5 million taka ($375,000) destined for a charitable fund. The verdict was handed down in a temporary courtroom inside Dhaka Central Jail where Zia -- who has been hospitalised for poor health -- is the only inmate. Her lawyers, who were also absent during the verdict, have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance" by Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents. The opposition vowed nationwide marches on Tuesday to protest against the guilty verdict. "The people will never accept this judgement," BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters. This fresh conviction is expected to further impede Zia's chances of challenging her erstwhile ally Hasina in an election slated for December. Zia boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her arch-rival Hasina returned to power. The BNP had been hoping a higher court would overturn Zia's earlier sentence, setting her free and paving the way for the veteran opposition leader to run against Hasina. But the latest guilty verdict throws up more hurdles for the opposition, which says 4,000 of its supporters have been arrested since September in a pre-election crackdown. Family feud Prosecutor Khurshid A. Khan said the latest charges against Zia occurred in 2005, during her second term as prime minister of the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million. "We finally got justice, despite some delay," he told AFP. Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup. She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics. In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th century jail. A physician said earlier this month that arthritis had rendered Zia's left hand useless. Her lawyers argued that the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison. A special courtroom inside the prison was set up to fast track her trial -- a move her lawyers described as unconstitutional. It is not Zia's first time in prison. She and her son Tarique Rahman spent one and a half years behind bars after being held by army-backed government in 2007 awaiting trial for alleged corruption. Zia's sentencing was yet another blow for her political dynasty with Rahman, her eldest and heir apparent to the opposition movement, jailed for life in absentia this month. He lives in exile in London. Rahman was found guilty of playing a key role in a 2004 grenade attack on one of Hasina's political rallies, which injured the then opposition leader and killed at least 20 others. Nineteen people were sentenced to death over the attack on Hasina, whose father led Bangladesh's push for independence from Pakistan and long feuded with Zia's own father, an opposition hero. The guilty verdict comes at a time when the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary is under question. In a recently-published best-selling memoir, a former chief justice alleged he was forced into exile last year after disagreeing with Bangladesh's powerful intelligence services over a case. Another judge, who also lives in exile in Malaysia, made similar remarks in a television interview, alleging he was threatened to hand down a guilty verdict against Rahman.

Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia handed another seven years in prison on corruption charges

A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia to another seven years in prison on corruption charges that her supporters say are politically motivated.

Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges.

That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison.

In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and misusing 31.5 million taka (US $375,000) destined for a charitable fund.

This fresh conviction is expected to further impede her chances of challenging Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents, in a general election slated for December.&nbsp;

There was no immediate reaction from Zia's BNP, but her lawyers have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance".

Zia, once an ally to Hasina, boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her opponent returned to power.

Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup.

She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless.

Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics.

In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside Dhaka Central prison where she is the sole prisoner in incarceration.&nbsp;

She was absent from the court Monday as she was being treated in hospital for various ailments.

A special room inside the prison was converted into a makeshift court in an effort to fast track her trial.&nbsp;

Her lawyers protested the move, described it as unconstitutional.

Her family suffered another political blow this month when her eldest son and heir apparent to the opposition movement, Tarique Rahman, was jailed for life in absentia.

He lives in exile in London.

Rahman was found guilty of playing key role in a 2004 grenade attack on the political rally of Hasina, which killed at least 20 people and injured the then opposition leader.

A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia to another seven years in prison on corruption charges that her supporters say are politically motivated.

A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia to another seven years in prison on corruption charges that her supporters say are politically motivated. Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges. That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison. In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and misusing 31.5 million taka (US $375,000) destined for a charitable fund. This fresh conviction is expected to further impede her chances of challenging Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents, in a general election slated for December. There was no immediate reaction from Zia's BNP, but her lawyers have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance". Zia, once an ally to Hasina, boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her opponent returned to power. Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup. She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics. In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside Dhaka Central prison where she is the sole prisoner in incarceration. She was absent from the court Monday as she was being treated in hospital for various ailments. A special room inside the prison was converted into a makeshift court in an effort to fast track her trial. Her lawyers protested the move, described it as unconstitutional. Her family suffered another political blow this month when her eldest son and heir apparent to the opposition movement, Tarique Rahman, was jailed for life in absentia. He lives in exile in London. Rahman was found guilty of playing key role in a 2004 grenade attack on the political rally of Hasina, which killed at least 20 people and injured the then opposition leader.

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia sentenced to 7 years in jail for corruption

A Bangladesh court will rule on Wednesday in a case in which most of the leaders of the main opposition party are accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a public rally 14 years ago, when she herself was in opposition.

Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases.

The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray.

The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers.

Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power.

"The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down.

The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid.

"The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge."

Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career.

Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling.

"We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

A Bangladesh court will rule on Wednesday in a case in which most of the leaders of the main opposition party are accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a public rally 14 years ago, when she herself was in opposition.

A Bangladesh court will rule on Wednesday in a case in which most of the leaders of the main opposition party are accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a public rally 14 years ago, when she herself was in opposition. Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases. The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray. The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers. Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power. "The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down. The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid. "The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge." Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling. "We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

Bangladesh court to rule on 2004 blasts targeting PM Hasina

Jailed Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, an official said, following a court order in response to her deteriorating health.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Zia, 73, was taken from the abandoned 19th-century prison where she is serving her sentence to a top medical university clinic in the heart of the capital, an AFP photographer at the scene said.

"She has been admitted to the BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) hospital," director of the clinic Brigadier General Abdullah al Harun told AFP.

Al Harun said a medical board comprising specialist doctors has been constituted. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Her transfer to the hospital came just days after the country's High Court ordered immediate hospital treatment for Zia after her lawyers said the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care.

Zia -- who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party -- was jailed in February for corruption.&nbsp;

Facing further charges of graft at a hearing early last month, she said she was "extremely ill" and that her arm and leg were becoming paralysed.

Her lawyer Zainal Abedin told AFP this week that Zia would be able to choose her own doctors from outside the state-run hospital.&nbsp;

Zia was sentenced to five years for corruption in February, triggering clashes between police and thousands of BNP supporters.

She was found guilty of embezzling money intended for an orphanage, a charge she dismissed as politically motivated.

Zia is appealing against the verdict -- which bars her from standing in a December general election -- and was granted bail earlier this year.

However she remains imprisoned while she fights dozens of other violence and graft charges.

A former ally of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina turned fierce political rival, Zia had health issues including arthritis, diabetes and knee replacements when she was sentenced.

She is the only inmate in Dhaka Central Jail, built in the 19th century under British colonial rule and declared abandoned in 2016.

Last month the authorities turned a room of the jail into a court -- a move her lawyers said was illegal.

Her party boycotted the 2014 election in which Hasina returned to power but is expected to contest the election due in December.

Zia was prime minister from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.

Jailed Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, an official said, following a court order in response to her deteriorating health.

Jailed Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, an official said, following a court order in response to her deteriorating health. Former prime minister Zia, 73, was taken from the abandoned 19th-century prison where she is serving her sentence to a top medical university clinic in the heart of the capital, an AFP photographer at the scene said. "She has been admitted to the BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) hospital," director of the clinic Brigadier General Abdullah al Harun told AFP. Al Harun said a medical board comprising specialist doctors has been constituted. Her transfer to the hospital came just days after the country's High Court ordered immediate hospital treatment for Zia after her lawyers said the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care. Zia -- who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party -- was jailed in February for corruption. Facing further charges of graft at a hearing early last month, she said she was "extremely ill" and that her arm and leg were becoming paralysed. Her lawyer Zainal Abedin told AFP this week that Zia would be able to choose her own doctors from outside the state-run hospital. Zia was sentenced to five years for corruption in February, triggering clashes between police and thousands of BNP supporters. She was found guilty of embezzling money intended for an orphanage, a charge she dismissed as politically motivated. Zia is appealing against the verdict -- which bars her from standing in a December general election -- and was granted bail earlier this year. However she remains imprisoned while she fights dozens of other violence and graft charges. A former ally of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina turned fierce political rival, Zia had health issues including arthritis, diabetes and knee replacements when she was sentenced. She is the only inmate in Dhaka Central Jail, built in the 19th century under British colonial rule and declared abandoned in 2016. Last month the authorities turned a room of the jail into a court -- a move her lawyers said was illegal. Her party boycotted the 2014 election in which Hasina returned to power but is expected to contest the election due in December. Zia was prime minister from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.

Jailed ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia admitted to hospital

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday.

The BNP will hold a public meeting in the capital Dhaka on Sunday and present demands that include the release of its jailed leader Khaleda Zia, installing a neutral caretaker government, and involving the army to oversee the December elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

"As a large party, we have all the preparations for participating in (a) coming election, but for that we need a level playing field, which is not there," he said.

"We are demanding a neutral government as it is our experience that with the ruling party there cannot be a free and fair election."

The interview marks the first time the BNP has explicitly stated its plans for the national election, during which Prime Minister 's Awami League - accused of increasingly authoritarian rule - is expected to face a tough fight.

Elections in Bangladesh, which won independence in 1971, are usually marked by violence and protests, and the national polls in December are expected to be no different, as several members of the BNP including its leader are in jail.

The BNP boycotted the 2014 polls after Hasina's governing Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, declined demands to put in place a nonpartisan caretaker government.

BITTER RIVALRY

Khaleda, a two-term prime minister with whom Hasina has a long and bitter rivalry, was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son Tarique Rahman was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Dozens of other BNP members have also been sent to prison in recent years on what the party alleges were false charges.

Alamgir said a decision on who would run for Prime Minister would be taken in consultation with Khaleda and Rahman.

While Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing shelter for nearly a million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, she is facing increasing criticism over free speech.

Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at students who took to the streets last month to demand better road safety. Several people, including students and a senior photographer Shahidul Alam, were put behind bars following the protests, sparking calls from international rights activists for their release.

Security forces have also been accused of extrajudicial killings in a war on drugs declared by Hasina, under which more than 200 people have been killed since July. Most recently, a new digital security law passed by parliament last week has come under intense criticism from journalists who say it would cripple media freedom.

The government has said its crackdown during the student protests was aimed at BNP workers who tried to provoke the students, and has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings.

It also dismisses accusations of jailing BNP workers on false charges, and Hasina has said there are no plans to modify the new digital security law.

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday.

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday. The BNP will hold a public meeting in the capital Dhaka on Sunday and present demands that include the release of its jailed leader Khaleda Zia, installing a neutral caretaker government, and involving the army to oversee the December elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. "As a large party, we have all the preparations for participating in (a) coming election, but for that we need a level playing field, which is not there," he said. "We are demanding a neutral government as it is our experience that with the ruling party there cannot be a free and fair election." The interview marks the first time the BNP has explicitly stated its plans for the national election, during which Prime Minister 's Awami League - accused of increasingly authoritarian rule - is expected to face a tough fight. Elections in Bangladesh, which won independence in 1971, are usually marked by violence and protests, and the national polls in December are expected to be no different, as several members of the BNP including its leader are in jail. The BNP boycotted the 2014 polls after Hasina's governing Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, declined demands to put in place a nonpartisan caretaker government. BITTER RIVALRY Khaleda, a two-term prime minister with whom Hasina has a long and bitter rivalry, was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son Tarique Rahman was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London. Dozens of other BNP members have also been sent to prison in recent years on what the party alleges were false charges. Alamgir said a decision on who would run for Prime Minister would be taken in consultation with Khaleda and Rahman. While Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing shelter for nearly a million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, she is facing increasing criticism over free speech. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at students who took to the streets last month to demand better road safety. Several people, including students and a senior photographer Shahidul Alam, were put behind bars following the protests, sparking calls from international rights activists for their release. Security forces have also been accused of extrajudicial killings in a war on drugs declared by Hasina, under which more than 200 people have been killed since July. Most recently, a new digital security law passed by parliament last week has come under intense criticism from journalists who say it would cripple media freedom. The government has said its crackdown during the student protests was aimed at BNP workers who tried to provoke the students, and has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings. It also dismisses accusations of jailing BNP workers on false charges, and Hasina has said there are no plans to modify the new digital security law.

Bangladesh's opposition group says 'strongly' wants to contest elections

The High Court Division on Tuesday will pass orders on three petitions, filed by former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

The High Court bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice JBM Hassan fixed the date after concluding the hearing on the petitions, as reported by the Daily Star.

Advocate Khandker Mahbub Hossain placed arguments before the HC on behalf of Khaleda Zia, while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam opposed the bail petitions.

Of the three cases, was about vandalising vehicles on January 25, 2015, and the other was for killing eight people and injuring 25-26 by setting fire on a passenger bus in Chauddagram on February 2 the same year.

The third case was filed by Raihan Faruki Imam with a Narail court on September 24, 2015, against Khaleda for making a statement about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the number of freedom fighters.

Khaleda had said that Rahman did not seek country's independence instead he wanted to be Pakistan's Prime Minister.

Khaleda has also been convicted for several other cases included Zia Orphanage graft case, undermining the map and flag of Bangladesh, which also includes the distortion of the 1971 Liberation War in an event, and celebrating her birthday with false information.&nbsp

Khaleda had said that Rahman did not seek country's independence instead he wanted to be Pakistan's Prime Minister

The High Court Division on Tuesday will pass orders on three petitions, filed by former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The High Court bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice JBM Hassan fixed the date after concluding the hearing on the petitions, as reported by the Daily Star. Advocate Khandker Mahbub Hossain placed arguments before the HC on behalf of Khaleda Zia, while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam opposed the bail petitions. Of the three cases, was about vandalising vehicles on January 25, 2015, and the other was for killing eight people and injuring 25-26 by setting fire on a passenger bus in Chauddagram on February 2 the same year. The third case was filed by Raihan Faruki Imam with a Narail court on September 24, 2015, against Khaleda for making a statement about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the number of freedom fighters. Khaleda had said that Rahman did not seek country's independence instead he wanted to be Pakistan's Prime Minister. Khaleda has also been convicted for several other cases included Zia Orphanage graft case, undermining the map and flag of Bangladesh, which also includes the distortion of the 1971 Liberation War in an event, and celebrating her birthday with false information.

Bangladesh: High Court to pass orders on Khaleda Zia's petition

Bangladesh's highest court on Wednesday ordered opposition leader Khaleda Zia released on bail after her lawyers argued she was unwell.

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld another court's decision to grant her bail on a graft case in which she was sentenced to five years in jail in February, her lawyer Joynal Abedin said.

The Supreme Court has appointed a four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain to hear the pleas. Earlier, it was scheduled to deliver a judgment on Tuesday, however, later the apex court postponed the date of hearing after Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Khaleda`s lawyer Zainul Abedin placed new arguments in their favour.

On Monday, the attorney general stuck to the previous argument that Khaleda`s lawyer has failed to submit appropriate medical certificates for granting of bail.

He further argued the funds belonging to orphans had been embezzled from the Prime Minister`s fund in the Orphanage Trust case, a fact which was not&nbsp;considered while granting bail to Khaleda.

Mahbubey Alam added that the High Court could hear and dispose of the appeal filed by Khaleda challenging the trial court verdict that sentenced her to five years` imprisonment in this case.

Earlier on March 12, the high court had granted a bail to Khaleda. Later, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the government moved the appeals before the apex court challenging the high court`s bail order.

On February 8, Special Judge`s Court-5 of Dhaka sentenced Khaleda to jail after it had found her and five others guilty in the graft case. Khaleda along with her elder son Tarique Rahman and four others were sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment along with imposing a fine of over 2.1 crore taka (approx Rs 1.6 crore).

The case was filed by the ACC in July 2008, alleging misappropriation of funds amounting to 2.1 crore taka that were said to have come from a foreign bank in the form of grants for orphans.&nbsp;

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld another court's decision to grant her bail on a graft case in which she was sentenced to five years in jail in February, her lawyer Joynal Abedin said

Bangladesh's highest court on Wednesday ordered opposition leader Khaleda Zia released on bail after her lawyers argued she was unwell. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld another court's decision to grant her bail on a graft case in which she was sentenced to five years in jail in February, her lawyer Joynal Abedin said. The Supreme Court has appointed a four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain to hear the pleas. Earlier, it was scheduled to deliver a judgment on Tuesday, however, later the apex court postponed the date of hearing after Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Khaleda`s lawyer Zainul Abedin placed new arguments in their favour. On Monday, the attorney general stuck to the previous argument that Khaleda`s lawyer has failed to submit appropriate medical certificates for granting of bail. He further argued the funds belonging to orphans had been embezzled from the Prime Minister`s fund in the Orphanage Trust case, a fact which was not considered while granting bail to Khaleda. Mahbubey Alam added that the High Court could hear and dispose of the appeal filed by Khaleda challenging the trial court verdict that sentenced her to five years` imprisonment in this case. Earlier on March 12, the high court had granted a bail to Khaleda. Later, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the government moved the appeals before the apex court challenging the high court`s bail order. On February 8, Special Judge`s Court-5 of Dhaka sentenced Khaleda to jail after it had found her and five others guilty in the graft case. Khaleda along with her elder son Tarique Rahman and four others were sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment along with imposing a fine of over 2.1 crore taka (approx Rs 1.6 crore). The case was filed by the ACC in July 2008, alleging misappropriation of funds amounting to 2.1 crore taka that were said to have come from a foreign bank in the form of grants for orphans.

Bangladesh SC grants bail to opposition leader Khaleda Zia: Lawyer

The appellate division of the supreme court has adjourned the hearing against the bail order of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia until Wednesday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The government and anti-corruption commission challenged a high court bail order for three months granted to Zia on March 12. 
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The former premiere is currently serving a five-year jail term for misappropriating $252,000 from the Zia orphanage trust. 
&nbsp; 
Zia's physicians have said that she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 30 years, diabetes for 20 years and hypertension for 10 years. 
&nbsp; 
Her defence counsel had prayed for her bail on grounds of her social status, age and primarily poor health conditions. 
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A medical board formed to evaluate her health conditions concluded that her condition is not serious.

Her Bangladesh nationalist party leaders have warned that the government would be responsible if her condition deteriorates.

The appellate division led by chief justice Syed Mahmud Hossain is expected to deliver its orders on Wednesday.

This is an election year and Zia's bail order would decide the fate of her party at the election due in less than a year.

BNP leaders say that the case is politically motivated to keep her behind bars so the ruling party has a clear passage to remain in power.

The government says this is a legal case and would follow the due course of the court.

The government and anti-corruption commission challenged a high court bail order for three months granted to Zia on March 12

The appellate division of the supreme court has adjourned the hearing against the bail order of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia until Wednesday. The government and anti-corruption commission challenged a high court bail order for three months granted to Zia on March 12. The former premiere is currently serving a five-year jail term for misappropriating $252,000 from the Zia orphanage trust. Zia's physicians have said that she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 30 years, diabetes for 20 years and hypertension for 10 years. Her defence counsel had prayed for her bail on grounds of her social status, age and primarily poor health conditions. A medical board formed to evaluate her health conditions concluded that her condition is not serious. Her Bangladesh nationalist party leaders have warned that the government would be responsible if her condition deteriorates. The appellate division led by chief justice Syed Mahmud Hossain is expected to deliver its orders on Wednesday. This is an election year and Zia's bail order would decide the fate of her party at the election due in less than a year. BNP leaders say that the case is politically motivated to keep her behind bars so the ruling party has a clear passage to remain in power. The government says this is a legal case and would follow the due course of the court.

Bangladesh court to hear case against Khalida Zia's bail plea tomorrow

The Bangladesh Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear two government petitions filed against former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

An Appellate Division bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, would hear the appeals today, as reported by the Daily Star.

The respective counsels for the ACC, government and Zia had been given time to prepare for their arguments the apex court.

ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan said that they would place arguments elaborately on the points on which the apex court had granted the leave-to-appeal petitions against the HC order and stayed the bail of Zia.

On the other hand, Khaleda's Lawyer has planned to argue on the grounds of Zia's ill health to secure her a bail.

Khan argued that Khaleda's lawyers failed to submit supporting documents to prove that she was ill.

The High Court had granted the BNP chief a bail considering her age, social status and the gravity of her crime, which the Khan said is not a valid ground to grant bail.

He further claimed that Khaleda had misused the privilege of bail and travelled abroad during the trial violating the existing laws.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that adequate preparations were done for placing arguments in support of government appeal.

Khaleda's lawyer Kayser Kamal said that BNP Chief Khaleda had submitted two concise statements on the petitions as per the Supreme Court directives.

Earlier in February Khaleda was been sentenced to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The case relates to corruption over the misuse of funds in a charity named after former President Zia-ur-Rahman, the former's husband, who was assassinated in 1981.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An Appellate Division bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, would hear the appeals today

The Bangladesh Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear two government petitions filed against former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. An Appellate Division bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, would hear the appeals today, as reported by the Daily Star. The respective counsels for the ACC, government and Zia had been given time to prepare for their arguments the apex court. ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan said that they would place arguments elaborately on the points on which the apex court had granted the leave-to-appeal petitions against the HC order and stayed the bail of Zia. On the other hand, Khaleda's Lawyer has planned to argue on the grounds of Zia's ill health to secure her a bail. Khan argued that Khaleda's lawyers failed to submit supporting documents to prove that she was ill. The High Court had granted the BNP chief a bail considering her age, social status and the gravity of her crime, which the Khan said is not a valid ground to grant bail. He further claimed that Khaleda had misused the privilege of bail and travelled abroad during the trial violating the existing laws. Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that adequate preparations were done for placing arguments in support of government appeal. Khaleda's lawyer Kayser Kamal said that BNP Chief Khaleda had submitted two concise statements on the petitions as per the Supreme Court directives. Earlier in February Khaleda was been sentenced to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The case relates to corruption over the misuse of funds in a charity named after former President Zia-ur-Rahman, the former's husband, who was assassinated in 1981.

Bangladesh Supreme Court to hear petitions against Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh&#39;s Supreme Court today stayed a high court order granting bail to former prime minister Khaleda Zia in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203" target="_blank">corruption case</a>, a media report said.

Zia, 72, was sentenced to five years in jail on February 8 in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned-politician.

On March 12, the High Court here granted the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) a four-month interim bail.

Opinion: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-a-jailed-khaleda-zia-is-more-popular-than-a-free-one-32961" target="_blank">A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one</a>

However, today a full bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order to stay until May 8 the high court order which granted bail to Zia in the graft case.

Following today&#39;s Supreme Court order, Zia cannot get released from jail till May 8, Anti-Corruption Commission&#39;s lawyer Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan was quoted as saying by the report.

Earlier on March 15, the ACC and the state filed two leave-to-appeal petitions before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, challenging the BNP chief&#39;s bail. PTI

Zia, 72, was sentenced to five years in jail on February 8 in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust

Bangladesh's Supreme Court today stayed a high court order granting bail to former prime minister Khaleda Zia in a corruption case, a media report said. Zia, 72, was sentenced to five years in jail on February 8 in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned-politician. On March 12, the High Court here granted the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) a four-month interim bail. Opinion: A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one However, today a full bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order to stay until May 8 the high court order which granted bail to Zia in the graft case. Following today's Supreme Court order, Zia cannot get released from jail till May 8, Anti-Corruption Commission's lawyer Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan was quoted as saying by the report. Earlier on March 15, the ACC and the state filed two leave-to-appeal petitions before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, challenging the BNP chief's bail. PTI

Bangladesh Supreme Court stays HC order on Zia's bail

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, convicted in a corruption case, was granted bail on Monday.

BNP leader Zia secured a four-month bail in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in which she was handed five years of imprisonment by a Bangladesh court.

&quot;Now, there is no legal bar to let Khaleda walk out of prison on bail,&quot; Bangladesh Daily Star quoted BNP Advocate Sagir Hossain Leon as saying.

Earlier today, a bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim passed the bail order in response to a petition moved by Khaleda before a high court back in February.

Her bail was considered on four grounds, including her health condition.

Further, the high court directed the concerned authority to prepare the paper book of the case within the next four months for hearing the appeal she filed against her conviction in the case.

The high court sentenced Zia&#39;s eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party&#39;s (BNP) Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman and four others for at least 10 years with a fine of 2.10 crore Bangladeshi takas (Tk).

The Anti-Corruption Commission had earlier filed a case in 2008 with Ramna Police Station, accusing six persons including Khaleda and her son Tarique.

Khaleda is a two-time Bangladesh Prime Minister, having ruled from 1991-96 and again from 2001-06.

In a political career spanning almost four decades, Khaleda went to the jail several times but was never convicted. She was detained several times during the anti-Ershad movement between the 1980s and 1990s.

In March 1983, she was made vice-chairperson of BNP after her husband and former Bangladesh President Ziaur was assassinated. She went on to become the party&#39;s chairperson in 1984, a position which she holds today. May 10, 1984.

Since the last three decades, Bangladeshi politics have been dominated by Zia and current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

Her bail was considered on four grounds, including her health condition

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, convicted in a corruption case, was granted bail on Monday. BNP leader Zia secured a four-month bail in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in which she was handed five years of imprisonment by a Bangladesh court. "Now, there is no legal bar to let Khaleda walk out of prison on bail," Bangladesh Daily Star quoted BNP Advocate Sagir Hossain Leon as saying. Earlier today, a bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim passed the bail order in response to a petition moved by Khaleda before a high court back in February. Her bail was considered on four grounds, including her health condition. Further, the high court directed the concerned authority to prepare the paper book of the case within the next four months for hearing the appeal she filed against her conviction in the case. The high court sentenced Zia's eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman and four others for at least 10 years with a fine of 2.10 crore Bangladeshi takas (Tk). The Anti-Corruption Commission had earlier filed a case in 2008 with Ramna Police Station, accusing six persons including Khaleda and her son Tarique. Khaleda is a two-time Bangladesh Prime Minister, having ruled from 1991-96 and again from 2001-06. In a political career spanning almost four decades, Khaleda went to the jail several times but was never convicted. She was detained several times during the anti-Ershad movement between the 1980s and 1990s. In March 1983, she was made vice-chairperson of BNP after her husband and former Bangladesh President Ziaur was assassinated. She went on to become the party's chairperson in 1984, a position which she holds today. May 10, 1984. Since the last three decades, Bangladeshi politics have been dominated by Zia and current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Khaleda Zia granted 4-month bail in 2008 corruption case

A court allowed bail for Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) leader Khaleda Zia today setting the stage for the former PM to be released.

&quot;The court has ordered an interim bail of four months for Madam Zia,&quot; her lawyer Zainul Abedin.&nbsp;

Last month followers of BNP leader had formed a human chain to demand release of&nbsp;Zia.

The ex-prime minister was sent to jail for five years in a graft case after a court had found her guilty.

The ex-premier on November 30, 2014 lost her last ditch effort to evade the graft trial as the Supreme Court turned down her second &#39;leave to appeal&#39; petition challenging her indictment and asked her to face trial in the lower court.

The ex-prime minister was sent to jail for five years in a graft case after a court found her guilty.

A court allowed bail for Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) leader Khaleda Zia today setting the stage for the former PM to be released. "The court has ordered an interim bail of four months for Madam Zia," her lawyer Zainul Abedin. Last month followers of BNP leader had formed a human chain to demand release of Zia. The ex-prime minister was sent to jail for five years in a graft case after a court had found her guilty. The ex-premier on November 30, 2014 lost her last ditch effort to evade the graft trial as the Supreme Court turned down her second 'leave to appeal' petition challenging her indictment and asked her to face trial in the lower court.

Court allows bail for Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia

A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one. The ruling party may have made a strategic mistake by sending the former prime minister and leader of the country&#39;s largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to jail.

Bangladesh is less than a year away from the 11th parliamentary elections. Analysts in Bangladesh say that between the two Begums, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is more politically sound than her nemesis Khaleda Zia but Zia&#39;s only card to return to power is sympathy.&nbsp;

The ruling party may have just given that to her by implicating her on charges of embezzling charity funds of more than 20 million Bangladeshi takas (USD 252,000).

Subsequently, a special court in Dhaka on February 8 sent Zia to jail for five years. Five others including her son Tarique Rahman have been given 10 years jail terms in the same case.

BNP leaders say the charges are false and politically motivated to restrain her from contesting in the elections. The BNP and its alliances have engaged in movements across the country demanding the release of the former prime minister.&nbsp;

BNP&#39;s boycott of the 2014 elections has put the party in an existential crisis after the government sent activists and senior leaders of the party to jail on charges of political violence. Subsequently, some of the leaders resigned from the party while others have failed to stir a political campaign or movement in fear of arrests.&nbsp;

The rightwing party founded by General Ziaur Rahman, husband of Khaleda Zia, will be led by their son Tarique Rahman, who has been staying in London to avoid arrest in Dhaka.

For BNP the upcoming elections will be crucial for its existence but the ruling party will make sure that it has a clear passage to retain the government.&nbsp;

In 2014 the international community criticised the Awami League for holding a controversial election without the participation of key opposition. There was speculation that an interim election was inevitable. But Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina&#39;s government proved those speculations wrong.

This time it has become much stronger. The government has strengthened its relationship with both China and India - the two influential economies in South Asia - through economic and bilateral cooperation.&nbsp;

The Awami League has secured Chinese financial assistance of $24 billion in October 2016, becoming the largest financial contributor to Bangladesh. Within its two consecutive tenure since 2008, the party has also secured three lines of credits from India worth $8 billion including a defence cooperation deal worth $500 million.

All of these would have a bearing in the coming elections and while the Awami League really has courted the ball all the way, the opposition may just have found a cue.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is more politically sound than her nemesis Khaleda Zia but Zia's only card to return to power is sympathy.

A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one. The ruling party may have made a strategic mistake by sending the former prime minister and leader of the country's largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to jail. Bangladesh is less than a year away from the 11th parliamentary elections. Analysts in Bangladesh say that between the two Begums, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is more politically sound than her nemesis Khaleda Zia but Zia's only card to return to power is sympathy. The ruling party may have just given that to her by implicating her on charges of embezzling charity funds of more than 20 million Bangladeshi takas (USD 252,000). Subsequently, a special court in Dhaka on February 8 sent Zia to jail for five years. Five others including her son Tarique Rahman have been given 10 years jail terms in the same case. BNP leaders say the charges are false and politically motivated to restrain her from contesting in the elections. The BNP and its alliances have engaged in movements across the country demanding the release of the former prime minister. BNP's boycott of the 2014 elections has put the party in an existential crisis after the government sent activists and senior leaders of the party to jail on charges of political violence. Subsequently, some of the leaders resigned from the party while others have failed to stir a political campaign or movement in fear of arrests. The rightwing party founded by General Ziaur Rahman, husband of Khaleda Zia, will be led by their son Tarique Rahman, who has been staying in London to avoid arrest in Dhaka. For BNP the upcoming elections will be crucial for its existence but the ruling party will make sure that it has a clear passage to retain the government. In 2014 the international community criticised the Awami League for holding a controversial election without the participation of key opposition. There was speculation that an interim election was inevitable. But Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina's government proved those speculations wrong. This time it has become much stronger. The government has strengthened its relationship with both China and India - the two influential economies in South Asia - through economic and bilateral cooperation. The Awami League has secured Chinese financial assistance of $24 billion in October 2016, becoming the largest financial contributor to Bangladesh. Within its two consecutive tenure since 2008, the party has also secured three lines of credits from India worth $8 billion including a defence cooperation deal worth $500 million. All of these would have a bearing in the coming elections and while the Awami League really has courted the ball all the way, the opposition may just have found a cue. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: A jailed Khaleda Zia is more popular than a free one

On the 8th of this month Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who was two-term PM and first woman in Bangladesh to hold the office, was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment for embezzling over Tk 21 million ($252,000) from foreign donations intended for a charity named after the former President Ziaur Rahman, Khalida Zia&#39;s husband, by a special court based in Dhaka. Not only Zia, but her son Tarique Rahman was sentenced for 10 years in the same case.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BNP and ruling Awami League are two large political parties in Bangladesh. It is with great anguish that I watch how the number of opposition politicians is steadily reducing in numbers and it is possible that ruling Awami League is behind it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Earlier, Abdul Kadar Mollah of Jamat-e-Islami was executed in 2013 on the charges of mass murder during the Bangladesh liberation movement. Jamat-e-Islami was the third largest political party in Bangladesh as per its institutional strength. The party was broken after Mollah was executed. With Khaleda Zia behind bars and Kadar Mollah executed, it leaves the ruling Awami League as the only large political front.

&nbsp;

The decimation of the Opposition has led many to question whether the Awami League is purposefully seeing through the punishments meted out to its main opposition figures. Another way of looking at it would be to check whether Awami League helped to embolden Democracy in Bangladesh or not.

&nbsp;

Earlier, a caretaker government used to be appointed during the crucial election process. This caretaker government which was earlier headed by the chief justice ensured a neutral poll process. This commitment to neutral government died as Sheikh Hasina returned to the power. In 2011, Hasina abolished the caretaker government system, citing that they can&#39;t allow unelected people to oversee national elections. The 2014 general elections were boycotted by Zia&rsquo;s BNP and Jamat-e-Islami and other opposition leaders, citing cheating done by Awami League.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The 2015 municipal polls were a blot on Bangladesh&#39;s face. Journalists covering the election witnessed the Awami League workers taking control of major electoral booth. The dismay with the situation was expressed by international figures, including the then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. The incident of Swedish envoy being heckled near a booth was also condemned worldwide.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

PM Hasina&#39;s Awami League seems to hold on to power by pulling down the opposition rather than recourse the rough climb to power. This crab-like the behaviour of Bangladesh&#39;s prime minister is condemnable as she is competing with Zia in a negative manner.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As far as the February 8 judgement is concerned, which gave prison to Khaleda Zia, there are glaring discrepancies. Firstly, according to Surendra Kumar Sinha, the former Chief Justice of Bangladesh, only the Supreme Court is reliable and independent court in Bangladesh. It is the only institution which is free from executive pressure. He told the dark fact that 80% of lower courts are not under the purview of Supreme Court. Even the Pakistan judiciary is better than its Bangladeshi counterpart. The 16th Constitutional Amendment added fuel to the fire. This ammendment allows the parliament to impeach any High Court judge with a 2/3 majority. This parliament is currently occupied by Hasina&rsquo;s Awami League.

&nbsp;

Zia&#39;s trial took in a special court based in Dhaka, which according to the former Chief Justice&#39;s logic, the judgment is possibly not given by an independent judicial body The claim of BNP that the judicial trial is politically motivated needs to be investigated thoroughly.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is said that Hasina is good friend of India. Her father took steps to improve the bilateral ties when Indira Gandhi was India&#39;s prime minister and Hasina took some measures with Manmohan Singh and Modi as well. But what is the use of being the best friend of India who is killing democracy in her own home? If Hasina wants to befriend India then she must befriend the ideology of democracy which kept India alive these years.

&nbsp;

A democracy without political opposition to the government is unimaginable for Indians. Unfortunately, our neighbours don&rsquo;t share a similar fate. In Nepal, we have only opposition no government! In Myanmar, the democracy is shared with the military junta. Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan have democracy but excessively influenced by Chinese aggression. And here in Bangladesh, we have a democracy without any opposition.

&nbsp;

The reason is, the journalists in those nations are sleeping. Or they might have been purchased.

&nbsp;

I want to request all the journalists in every country to ensure the safety of their democracy since it is their duty to do it. Especially, I want to say to every Bangladeshi journalist to wake up please,&nbsp; to think of the next generation which will want to experience the ultimate pleasure of democracy and freedom.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

The decimation of the Opposition leaders has led many to question whether the Awami League is purposefully seeing through the punishments meted out to its main opposition figures.

On the 8th of this month Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who was two-term PM and first woman in Bangladesh to hold the office, was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment for embezzling over Tk 21 million ($252,000) from foreign donations intended for a charity named after the former President Ziaur Rahman, Khalida Zia's husband, by a special court based in Dhaka. Not only Zia, but her son Tarique Rahman was sentenced for 10 years in the same case. BNP and ruling Awami League are two large political parties in Bangladesh. It is with great anguish that I watch how the number of opposition politicians is steadily reducing in numbers and it is possible that ruling Awami League is behind it. Earlier, Abdul Kadar Mollah of Jamat-e-Islami was executed in 2013 on the charges of mass murder during the Bangladesh liberation movement. Jamat-e-Islami was the third largest political party in Bangladesh as per its institutional strength. The party was broken after Mollah was executed. With Khaleda Zia behind bars and Kadar Mollah executed, it leaves the ruling Awami League as the only large political front. The decimation of the Opposition has led many to question whether the Awami League is purposefully seeing through the punishments meted out to its main opposition figures. Another way of looking at it would be to check whether Awami League helped to embolden Democracy in Bangladesh or not. Earlier, a caretaker government used to be appointed during the crucial election process. This caretaker government which was earlier headed by the chief justice ensured a neutral poll process. This commitment to neutral government died as Sheikh Hasina returned to the power. In 2011, Hasina abolished the caretaker government system, citing that they can't allow unelected people to oversee national elections. The 2014 general elections were boycotted by Zia’s BNP and Jamat-e-Islami and other opposition leaders, citing cheating done by Awami League. The 2015 municipal polls were a blot on Bangladesh's face. Journalists covering the election witnessed the Awami League workers taking control of major electoral booth. The dismay with the situation was expressed by international figures, including the then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. The incident of Swedish envoy being heckled near a booth was also condemned worldwide. PM Hasina's Awami League seems to hold on to power by pulling down the opposition rather than recourse the rough climb to power. This crab-like the behaviour of Bangladesh's prime minister is condemnable as she is competing with Zia in a negative manner. As far as the February 8 judgement is concerned, which gave prison to Khaleda Zia, there are glaring discrepancies. Firstly, according to Surendra Kumar Sinha, the former Chief Justice of Bangladesh, only the Supreme Court is reliable and independent court in Bangladesh. It is the only institution which is free from executive pressure. He told the dark fact that 80% of lower courts are not under the purview of Supreme Court. Even the Pakistan judiciary is better than its Bangladeshi counterpart. The 16th Constitutional Amendment added fuel to the fire. This ammendment allows the parliament to impeach any High Court judge with a 2/3 majority. This parliament is currently occupied by Hasina’s Awami League. Zia's trial took in a special court based in Dhaka, which according to the former Chief Justice's logic, the judgment is possibly not given by an independent judicial body The claim of BNP that the judicial trial is politically motivated needs to be investigated thoroughly. It is said that Hasina is good friend of India. Her father took steps to improve the bilateral ties when Indira Gandhi was India's prime minister and Hasina took some measures with Manmohan Singh and Modi as well. But what is the use of being the best friend of India who is killing democracy in her own home? If Hasina wants to befriend India then she must befriend the ideology of democracy which kept India alive these years. A democracy without political opposition to the government is unimaginable for Indians. Unfortunately, our neighbours don’t share a similar fate. In Nepal, we have only opposition no government! In Myanmar, the democracy is shared with the military junta. Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan have democracy but excessively influenced by Chinese aggression. And here in Bangladesh, we have a democracy without any opposition. The reason is, the journalists in those nations are sleeping. Or they might have been purchased. I want to request all the journalists in every country to ensure the safety of their democracy since it is their duty to do it. Especially, I want to say to every Bangladeshi journalist to wake up please, to think of the next generation which will want to experience the ultimate pleasure of democracy and freedom. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: In punishing Khaleda Zia, was Awami League being vindictive

Several hundred BNP leaders and followers formed a&nbsp;human chain in front of the National Press Club on Monday morning demanding the release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections.

They chanted different slogans demanding the immediate release of Khaleda Zia, reports said.

Zia, 72, was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203"> imprisoned for five years</a> by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that no national election will be held in Bangladesh without party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

&quot;We want her immediate release and a free and fair election,&quot; Alamgir told AFP outside the national press club in Dhaka where more than 5,000 gathered.

The BNP leader said: &ldquo;We will free her [Khaleda] with our peaceful protest.&rdquo;

BNP&rsquo;s district, thana, upzila and city units will also be carrying out protests at their convenient time and places, media reports said on Monday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-as-bangladesh-court-jails-opposition-leader-zia-32221">Clashes as Bangladesh court jails opposition leader Zia</a>

Dhaka Metropolitan Police&rsquo;s Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman was quoted saying: &ldquo;We will not stop any peaceful protest but it should not lead to the sufferings of mass people.&rdquo;

Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to appeal against the verdict, but it may affect her ability to stand in a general election slated for December.

Police said they arrested at least seven BNP officials on February 8 in the port city of Chittagong, including the local head of the party, after opposition supporters scuffled with police.

Alamgir said at least 4,300 opposition officials had been arrested in the past fortnight as police sought to offset resistance ahead of Zia&#39;s sentencing. A party vice chairman and two former ministers were among those detained, he added.

Zia is a former ally-turned-archrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP boycotted the general election in 2014 that saw Hasina return to power, but Zia is expected to contest the upcoming poll in December.

Her son <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zias-fugitive-son-is-now-bnps-acting-chief-32334">Tarique Rahman</a>, who lives in exile in London, has been named as the acting opposition chief, despite being convicted and jailed.

(With AFP inputs)

Zia, 72, was imprisoned for five years by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of US $252,000 in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust

Several hundred BNP leaders and followers formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Monday morning demanding the release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections. They chanted different slogans demanding the immediate release of Khaleda Zia, reports said. Zia, 72, was imprisoned for five years by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that no national election will be held in Bangladesh without party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. "We want her immediate release and a free and fair election," Alamgir told AFP outside the national press club in Dhaka where more than 5,000 gathered. The BNP leader said: “We will free her [Khaleda] with our peaceful protest.” BNP’s district, thana, upzila and city units will also be carrying out protests at their convenient time and places, media reports said on Monday. Also read: Clashes as Bangladesh court jails opposition leader Zia Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman was quoted saying: “We will not stop any peaceful protest but it should not lead to the sufferings of mass people.” Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to appeal against the verdict, but it may affect her ability to stand in a general election slated for December. Police said they arrested at least seven BNP officials on February 8 in the port city of Chittagong, including the local head of the party, after opposition supporters scuffled with police. Alamgir said at least 4,300 opposition officials had been arrested in the past fortnight as police sought to offset resistance ahead of Zia's sentencing. A party vice chairman and two former ministers were among those detained, he added. Zia is a former ally-turned-archrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The BNP boycotted the general election in 2014 that saw Hasina return to power, but Zia is expected to contest the upcoming poll in December. Her son Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London, has been named as the acting opposition chief, despite being convicted and jailed. (With AFP inputs)

Thousands protest in Dhaka, demand release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh&#39;s main opposition party, the BNP, has named the &#39;fugitive&#39; and convicted eldest son of Khaleda Zia as its acting chief, a day after the former prime minister was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in a graft case.

The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka&#39;s Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia

Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned- politician.

The verdict simultaneously sentenced Zia&#39;s &quot;fugitive&quot; eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP&#39;s) senior vice president Tarique Rahman as he was tried in absentia.

Rahman, 53, and four others have also been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

&quot;Tarique Rahman is now the acting chairman of BNP,&quot; senior secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said.

Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan later told PTI that the decision was taken in line with the party&#39;s constitution and Rahman would lead the party from exile as he is now in London.

Rehman fled to London in 2008 after he was detained by an army-backed government for more than 18 months.

In 2016, he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of money laundering.

&quot;There is no problem for him to be the party chief,&quot; Khan said when asked as a fugitive convict if he was qualified to run the party from abroad.

The opposition party&#39;s move evoked sharp response from the ruling Awami League.

Awami League general secretary and road transport minister Obaidul Quader sharply reacted to the decision, saying the BNP preferred to make someone corrupt to head the party.

He said the BNP recently scrapped a section of its constitution that had debarred dishonest people from being the party leader.

&quot;It is now crystal clear why the BNP abolished Section 7 from its constitution. Now there is no bar in the BNP&#39;s constitution for corrupt and convicted persons to be a leader of this party,&quot; he said at a party function.

Rahman is also being tried on several other charges with one being the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League.

Twenty three people were killed and Hasina narrowly escaped the assault while a Dhaka court nearly wrapped up the trial proceedings against Rahman and several stalwarts of the then BNP government and ex-military intelligence officials.

The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka's Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of about USD 250,000 in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust

Bangladesh's main opposition party, the BNP, has named the 'fugitive' and convicted eldest son of Khaleda Zia as its acting chief, a day after the former prime minister was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in a graft case. The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka's Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned- politician. The verdict simultaneously sentenced Zia's "fugitive" eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP's) senior vice president Tarique Rahman as he was tried in absentia. Rahman, 53, and four others have also been sentenced to 10 years in prison. "Tarique Rahman is now the acting chairman of BNP," senior secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said. Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan later told PTI that the decision was taken in line with the party's constitution and Rahman would lead the party from exile as he is now in London. Rehman fled to London in 2008 after he was detained by an army-backed government for more than 18 months. In 2016, he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of money laundering. "There is no problem for him to be the party chief," Khan said when asked as a fugitive convict if he was qualified to run the party from abroad. The opposition party's move evoked sharp response from the ruling Awami League. Awami League general secretary and road transport minister Obaidul Quader sharply reacted to the decision, saying the BNP preferred to make someone corrupt to head the party. He said the BNP recently scrapped a section of its constitution that had debarred dishonest people from being the party leader. "It is now crystal clear why the BNP abolished Section 7 from its constitution. Now there is no bar in the BNP's constitution for corrupt and convicted persons to be a leader of this party," he said at a party function. Rahman is also being tried on several other charges with one being the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League. Twenty three people were killed and Hasina narrowly escaped the assault while a Dhaka court nearly wrapped up the trial proceedings against Rahman and several stalwarts of the then BNP government and ex-military intelligence officials.

Khaleda Zia's 'fugitive' son is now BNP's acting chief

Bangladesh&#39;s ex-premier and opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia was on Thursday sentenced to five years in jail in a corruption case.

Zia, 72, was sentenced by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust.

In the same case, her son Tarique Rahman and four others have been sentenced to 10 years in jail.

The ex-premier on November 30, 2014 lost her last ditch effort to evade the graft trial as the Supreme Court turned down her second &#39;leave to appeal&#39; petition challenging her indictment and asked her to face trial in the lower court.

The high court earlier validated the trial in the lower court which on March 19, 2014 had indicted Zia on two graft charges brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The ACC alleged that the two charities, the other being the Zia Charitable Trust, existed only on paper and a huge amount of money was misappropriated in the name of the two organisations while Zia was premier during the BNP&#39;s 2001-2006 government.

In the same case, her son Tarique Rahman and four others have been sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Bangladesh's ex-premier and opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia was on Thursday sentenced to five years in jail in a corruption case. Zia, 72, was sentenced by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust. In the same case, her son Tarique Rahman and four others have been sentenced to 10 years in jail. The ex-premier on November 30, 2014 lost her last ditch effort to evade the graft trial as the Supreme Court turned down her second 'leave to appeal' petition challenging her indictment and asked her to face trial in the lower court. The high court earlier validated the trial in the lower court which on March 19, 2014 had indicted Zia on two graft charges brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC alleged that the two charities, the other being the Zia Charitable Trust, existed only on paper and a huge amount of money was misappropriated in the name of the two organisations while Zia was premier during the BNP's 2001-2006 government.

Bangladesh: Former PM Khaleda Zia sentenced to 5 years in jail in corruption case

Thousands of police and paramilitary guards patrolled the Bangladesh capital Thursday ahead of a key court verdict that could see opposition leader Khaleda Zia jailed for life.

Zia, a two time former prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is charged with embezzling $252,000 from a trust created for an orphanage.

She faces life in prison if convicted by the Dhaka court, but has consistently denied the charges, insisting &quot;not a penny&quot; was stolen.

Police have banned street protests and rounded up thousands of opposition supporters in a crackdown ahead of Thursday`s ruling, Zia`s party has said.

A senior officer told AFP more than 5,000 police had been deployed in Dhaka and the streets of the usually congested capital were almost empty of cars early Thursday.

&quot;We have stepped up security in the entire city,&quot; Dhaka police chief Asaduzzaman Mia told reporters outside the court.

Authorities are on high alert for protests in the tense city, where political demonstrations by Zia`s centre-right BNP and its Islamist allies in 2014 and 2015 left nearly 200 people dead.

A guilty verdict could prevent Zia, a former ally turned arch-nemesis of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from contesting a general election slated for December.

The BNP boycotted 2014 polls in which Hasina was re-elected but is expected to contest the upcoming general election.

Zia, 72, has repeatedly said the charges against her are politically motivated, aimed at excluding her and her family from politics.

&quot;This is an attempt to use the court against me, in an effort to sideline me from politics and elections and to isolate me from the people,&quot; Zia told a packed news conference on Wednesday.

Many private schools declared a holiday on Thursday in anticipation of the verdict, while several ride-hailing services announced a day-long suspension of their operations.

 
BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed has said that &quot;approximately 3,500&quot; opposition activists and officials had been arrested in a sweep by security forces.

Zia, a two time former prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is charged with embezzling $252,000 from a trust created for an orphanage.

Thousands of police and paramilitary guards patrolled the Bangladesh capital Thursday ahead of a key court verdict that could see opposition leader Khaleda Zia jailed for life. Zia, a two time former prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is charged with embezzling $252,000 from a trust created for an orphanage. She faces life in prison if convicted by the Dhaka court, but has consistently denied the charges, insisting "not a penny" was stolen. Police have banned street protests and rounded up thousands of opposition supporters in a crackdown ahead of Thursday`s ruling, Zia`s party has said. A senior officer told AFP more than 5,000 police had been deployed in Dhaka and the streets of the usually congested capital were almost empty of cars early Thursday. "We have stepped up security in the entire city," Dhaka police chief Asaduzzaman Mia told reporters outside the court. Authorities are on high alert for protests in the tense city, where political demonstrations by Zia`s centre-right BNP and its Islamist allies in 2014 and 2015 left nearly 200 people dead. A guilty verdict could prevent Zia, a former ally turned arch-nemesis of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from contesting a general election slated for December. The BNP boycotted 2014 polls in which Hasina was re-elected but is expected to contest the upcoming general election. Zia, 72, has repeatedly said the charges against her are politically motivated, aimed at excluding her and her family from politics. "This is an attempt to use the court against me, in an effort to sideline me from politics and elections and to isolate me from the people," Zia told a packed news conference on Wednesday. Many private schools declared a holiday on Thursday in anticipation of the verdict, while several ride-hailing services announced a day-long suspension of their operations. BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed has said that "approximately 3,500" opposition activists and officials had been arrested in a sweep by security forces.

Bangladesh tense as court set to deliver Khaleda Zia verdict

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world&#39;s fastest-growing economy in two years.&nbsp;Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ex-pm-khaleda-zia-jailed-for-graft-but-likely-to-be-freed-on-bail-pending-appeal-32223" target="_blank">Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed for graft, but likely to be freed on bail pending appeal</a>

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203" target="_blank">jailed for five years for corruption</a>&nbsp;on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">Spice Jet plane suffers tyre burst during </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">take</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank"> off</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">, main Chennai Airport runway closed</a>

The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/deepika-padukone-and-ranveer-singh-are-set-to-have-a-beach-wedding-this-year-32214" target="_blank">Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are set to have a beach wedding this year?</a>

They may be tight lip about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-postpones-ayodhya-dispute-hearing-to-march-14-32208" target="_blank">Supreme Court asks for English translations of documents, postpones Ayodhya dispute hearing to March 14</a>

The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

India to become fastest-growing major economy in two years: Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world's fastest-growing economy in two years. Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data. Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed for graft, but likely to be freed on bail pending appeal Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was jailed for five years for corruption on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence. Spice Jet plane suffers tyre burst during take off, main Chennai Airport runway closed The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are set to have a beach wedding this year? They may be tight lip about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year. Supreme Court asks for English translations of documents, postpones Ayodhya dispute hearing to March 14 The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

WION Evening News Brief, February 8, 2018

Bangladesh on Wednesday tightened security amid mounting tensions over an impending corruption trial verdict against ex-prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia on Thursday that may disqualify her from contesting the next general election.

Elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and armed police were called out to guard Dhaka streets while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina&#39;s ruling Awami League said their activists would be ready to &quot;assist police&quot; if the BNP tried to foment any unrest over the verdict.

According to media reports, police in the past several days arrested over 1,000 BNP activists, including some senior leaders, suspecting they could spearhead a violent campaign if Zia is convicted.

A Dhaka court is set to deliver the judgment in the trial in which Zia, 72, and five others, including her expatriate elder son Tarique Rahman, stand accused of embezzling 21 million takas ($252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust.

The prosecution said the charity, named after Zia&#39;s slain husband - military dictator-turned-president Ziaur Rahman - existed only on paper.

Legal experts said Zia, who served as premier for three terms, could face life imprisonment if found guilty of the charges while a conviction would simultaneously disqualify her from contesting the next general election slated for December.

Her party had boycotted the 2014 polls over its demands for an election-time non-party government and became the opposition outside parliament. But it is expected to contest the upcoming polls.

Political analysts said the BNP might see a political split as several senior leaders could disassociate themselves from Zia as her son Rahman, the senior vice president of the party, is seen as wielding authority from London while ignoring party veterans.

Rahman is believed to have sought asylum in Britain to evade justice as he is also being tried on several charges, including a 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League that killed 23 people and in which Hasina narrowly escaped.

Zia, in a meeting of the party&#39;s highest policy-making national executive committee last week, warned of severe consequences against any attempt of &quot;betrayal&quot; saying she would remain with the party whatever the court verdict.

The main opposition party, which claims the charges are part of a plot to keep its leader out of the general election, has threatened to take to the streets if she is convicted.

The ruling Awami League, however, has denied it saying if Zia is not guilty, then it will be proven in court.

It has also called on its supporters to be vigilant if the BNP launches protests.

Earlier, Zia had urged her party supporters to hold &quot;peaceful programmes&quot;.

&quot;Please don&#39;t do something foolish that can put the party in danger. Remain united,&quot; she said last week.&nbsp;

Bangladesh on Wednesday tightened security amid mounting tensions over an impending corruption trial verdict against ex-prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia on Thursday that may disqualify her from contesting the next general election

Bangladesh on Wednesday tightened security amid mounting tensions over an impending corruption trial verdict against ex-prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia on Thursday that may disqualify her from contesting the next general election. Elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and armed police were called out to guard Dhaka streets while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League said their activists would be ready to "assist police" if the BNP tried to foment any unrest over the verdict. According to media reports, police in the past several days arrested over 1,000 BNP activists, including some senior leaders, suspecting they could spearhead a violent campaign if Zia is convicted. A Dhaka court is set to deliver the judgment in the trial in which Zia, 72, and five others, including her expatriate elder son Tarique Rahman, stand accused of embezzling 21 million takas ($252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust. The prosecution said the charity, named after Zia's slain husband - military dictator-turned-president Ziaur Rahman - existed only on paper. Legal experts said Zia, who served as premier for three terms, could face life imprisonment if found guilty of the charges while a conviction would simultaneously disqualify her from contesting the next general election slated for December. Her party had boycotted the 2014 polls over its demands for an election-time non-party government and became the opposition outside parliament. But it is expected to contest the upcoming polls. Political analysts said the BNP might see a political split as several senior leaders could disassociate themselves from Zia as her son Rahman, the senior vice president of the party, is seen as wielding authority from London while ignoring party veterans. Rahman is believed to have sought asylum in Britain to evade justice as he is also being tried on several charges, including a 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League that killed 23 people and in which Hasina narrowly escaped. Zia, in a meeting of the party's highest policy-making national executive committee last week, warned of severe consequences against any attempt of "betrayal" saying she would remain with the party whatever the court verdict. The main opposition party, which claims the charges are part of a plot to keep its leader out of the general election, has threatened to take to the streets if she is convicted. The ruling Awami League, however, has denied it saying if Zia is not guilty, then it will be proven in court. It has also called on its supporters to be vigilant if the BNP launches protests. Earlier, Zia had urged her party supporters to hold "peaceful programmes". "Please don't do something foolish that can put the party in danger. Remain united," she said last week.

Tension ahead of graft case verdict against ex-Bangladesh PM Zia

A Bangladeshi court on Thursday ordered the arrest of former prime minister Khaleda Zia for skipping a scheduled appearance as the main accused in a graft case, the third such warrant issued against the country&#39;s main opposition BNP chief in less than two months.

Court officials said 72-year-old Zia was supposed to resume delivering her unfinished statement defending herself before the Dhaka&#39;s Fifth Special Court in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) instead announced a country-wide demonstration where it called the court order &quot;politically motivated&quot; and a part of a plan by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina&#39;s Awami League-led government.

&quot;The judge (of Dhaka&#39;s Fifth Special Court) issued the arrest warrant as she failed to appear as scheduled in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case once again,&quot; a court official said.

This was the third such warrant against the ex-premier since October 10 when two courts in Dhaka separately ordered her arrest after she failed to appear before them as she was in London on a private visit.

She subsequently obtained bail, surrendering before the courts on her return home, he said.

Zia earlier claimed that cases filed against her to be &quot;false, motivated and imaginary made up&quot; and aimed at harassing her.

She is accused in several graft cases, including one under which she allegedly misappropriated funds of an orphanage trust named after her husband and slain president Ziaur Rahman.

Zia is also being tried in another case for inducting in her cabinet during the 2001-2006 tenure people who were opposed to the country&#39;s 1971 independence and subsequently convicted and hanged for committing warcrimes.&nbsp;

This was the third such warrant against the ex-premier since October 10 when two courts in Dhaka separately ordered her arrest after she failed to appear before them

A Bangladeshi court on Thursday ordered the arrest of former prime minister Khaleda Zia for skipping a scheduled appearance as the main accused in a graft case, the third such warrant issued against the country's main opposition BNP chief in less than two months. Court officials said 72-year-old Zia was supposed to resume delivering her unfinished statement defending herself before the Dhaka's Fifth Special Court in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) instead announced a country-wide demonstration where it called the court order "politically motivated" and a part of a plan by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League-led government. "The judge (of Dhaka's Fifth Special Court) issued the arrest warrant as she failed to appear as scheduled in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case once again," a court official said. This was the third such warrant against the ex-premier since October 10 when two courts in Dhaka separately ordered her arrest after she failed to appear before them as she was in London on a private visit. She subsequently obtained bail, surrendering before the courts on her return home, he said. Zia earlier claimed that cases filed against her to be "false, motivated and imaginary made up" and aimed at harassing her. She is accused in several graft cases, including one under which she allegedly misappropriated funds of an orphanage trust named after her husband and slain president Ziaur Rahman. Zia is also being tried in another case for inducting in her cabinet during the 2001-2006 tenure people who were opposed to the country's 1971 independence and subsequently convicted and hanged for committing warcrimes.

Bangladeshi court orders Khaleda Zia's arrest for non-appearance in graft case

A <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-islamists-call-on-government-to-arm-rohingyas-21093" target="_blank">Bangladesh </a>court on Monday issued an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-court-issues-arrest-warrants-for-67-opposition-leaders-and-activists-5063" target="_blank">arrest warrant against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia </a>who is the main Opposition leader and a former prime minister of the country. The arrest warrant was issued in connection with the 2015 agitation against the government by a 20-party alliance led by BNP.&nbsp;

Eight were killed on the spot in a petrol bomb attack on bus passengers by alleged activists of the 20-party alliance during the agitation.&nbsp;

Arrest warrants were also issued against the BNP politicians Rafiqul Islam Mia, MK Anwar, party standing committee vice-chairman Shawkat Mahmud and senior joint secretary Rizvi Ahmed.&nbsp;

Bangladesh newspaper, The Daily Star, quoted public prosecutor Mostafizur Rahman Liton as stating that judge Jesmeen Begum of Comilla district and sessions court passed the order.&nbsp; 
Police recently filed charges against 78 BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami politicians and party workers. The case was filed on February 3, 2015.&nbsp;

Zia, however, is said to be in London with her son, and senior politicians of her party apparently expressed ignorance about the date she is expected to return to Bangladesh. Bangladesh daily Prothom Alo quoted ABM Abdus Sattar, Zia&#39;s personal secretary, as claiming that she may return to Dhaka by the third week of this month. Sattar is also currently living in London, United Kingdom.&nbsp;

&quot;Her treatment is yet to be done. We hope she will return home after her treatment by the end of October,&quot; Prothom Alo quoted the telephone conversation with Abdus Sattar on Thursday.&nbsp;

Zia is in London since July 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-arrest-warrant-against-former-pm-khaleda-zia-for-celebrating-birthday-on-august-15-8974" target="_blank">Bangladesh: Arrest warrant against former PM Khaleda Zia for celebrating birthday on August 15</a>

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The case pertains to a 2015 rioting case in which eight were killed in a petrol bomb attack

A Bangladesh court on Monday issued an arrest warrant against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia who is the main Opposition leader and a former prime minister of the country. The arrest warrant was issued in connection with the 2015 agitation against the government by a 20-party alliance led by BNP. Eight were killed on the spot in a petrol bomb attack on bus passengers by alleged activists of the 20-party alliance during the agitation. Arrest warrants were also issued against the BNP politicians Rafiqul Islam Mia, MK Anwar, party standing committee vice-chairman Shawkat Mahmud and senior joint secretary Rizvi Ahmed. Bangladesh newspaper, The Daily Star, quoted public prosecutor Mostafizur Rahman Liton as stating that judge Jesmeen Begum of Comilla district and sessions court passed the order. Police recently filed charges against 78 BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami politicians and party workers. The case was filed on February 3, 2015. Zia, however, is said to be in London with her son, and senior politicians of her party apparently expressed ignorance about the date she is expected to return to Bangladesh. Bangladesh daily Prothom Alo quoted ABM Abdus Sattar, Zia's personal secretary, as claiming that she may return to Dhaka by the third week of this month. Sattar is also currently living in London, United Kingdom. "Her treatment is yet to be done. We hope she will return home after her treatment by the end of October," Prothom Alo quoted the telephone conversation with Abdus Sattar on Thursday. Zia is in London since July 15. Also read: Bangladesh: Arrest warrant against former PM Khaleda Zia for celebrating birthday on August 15

Bangladesh: Arrest warrant against Opposition leader Khaleda Zia in rioting case

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