Dhaka: BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia appeared before a special court in Dhaka on Sunday morning to speak for herself over the charges of Zia Charitable Trust graft case.

Khaleda Zia appeared before the court at about 10:30am, her counsel Sanaullah Mia said.

BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office media officer Shairul Kabir Khan on Sunday morning said, Khaleda Zia left her Gulshan residence at about 09:50am for court.

The court will read out the testimony of the witnesses of the state side before Khaleda and seek her comment on the statements.

The BNP chief can give her reply either in written or verbally, said Sanaullah Mia adding they will decide the medium later.

On 7 April, Judge Abu Ahmed Jamadar of Dhaka Special Judge’s Court 3, set up on the playground of Govt Alia Madrasah in the capital’s Bakshibazar, fixed 17 April for the accused to appear before the court to defend themselves in the case.

The court also fixed 21 April for the deposition of the witnesses in the Zia Orphanage Trust case.

Earlier on 8 August 2011, the ACC filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon Police Station accusing four people, including Khaleda Zia, of abusing power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

Besides, the ACC filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on 3 July 2008 with Ramna Police Station accusing Khaleda Zia, her eldest son Tarique Rahman, now living in the UK after securing bail, and four others for misappropriating over Tk 21. 0 million (2.10 crore) that came as grants from a foreign bank for orphans.