Niko graft case: Court frames charges against Khaleda

Court Correspondent :
The Special Judge Court-9 of Dhaka today set May 23 to start trial of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and seven others in the Niko graft case after the court framed charges against them today.
After Judge Sheikh Hafizur Rahman of the
Court read out the charges today, Khaleda Zia, who is now on bail, on her behalf, lawyer Masud Ahmed Talukder pleaded not guilty and demanded justice. He has been representing her in her absence.
Earlier, the court rejected the petition submitted on behalf of Khaleda Zia seeking time for hearing on charge framing against her on the next scheduled date.
Among the accused, Giasuddin-Al-Mamun is now in the prison, was produced in the court during the hearing while six others are on bail.
Another accused, Kashem Sharif, former President of Niko Resources (Banglaesh) Limited, is on the run.  
Others are- former Acting Secretary for Energy Ministry Khondaker Shahidul Islam and its former Senior Assistant Secretary CM Yusuf Hussain, Bapex former General Manager Meer Moinul Haque and its former Secretary Md Shafiur Rahman and former MP from Bagerhat MAH Selim also pleaded not guilty after the court read out the charges.
The court also dismissed the petition submitted on behalf of former Dhaka Club President Selim Bhuiyan seeking time for his non-appearance, cancelled his bail and issued arrest warrant against him.
Charges were framed against him in absentia. Three others, including former Principal Secretary to the former Prime Minister Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, have been absconding.
During the hearing today, Judge Sheikh Hafizur Rahman expressed dissatisfaction over repeated petitions for adjournment.