Dhaka:  A Dhaka court rejected petition filed by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia Charitable Trust graft case and set 25 April as the next date of hearing the case.

BNP Chief Khaleda Zia filed petition seeking cross examination and quizzing of the investigation officer of the case.

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, issued the order on Sunday morning.

Earlier, Khaleda Zia appeared before the court at about 10:30am.

The court read out the testimony of the witnesses of the state side before Khaleda Zia and sought 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 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.