The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the leave to appeal petition filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia seeking a stay on trial proceedings against her in Niko graft case.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice SK Sinha passed the order clearing the way for trial in the Niko graft case against the BNP chief.

Earlier, the Supreme Court on 21 November fixed November 24 to deliver its verdict on the leave to appeal filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, seeking a stay in the trial proceedings of the Niko corruption case against her.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice SK Sinha, fixed the date after concluding the hearing.

Earlier, the SC started the hearing on the petition on Sunday, reports UNB.

On June 18, 2015, the High Court cleared the way for trial proceedings to resume in the case against Khaleda Zia rejecting her petition eight years ago that had challenged the legality of the case.

The ACC on December 9, 2007 filed the Niko graft case against Khaleda and four others in connection with a Tk 137.77 loss to the national exchequer caused with the signing of an oil-gas exploration agreement with Niko during the previous BNP rule.

Later on May 5, 2008, it submitted a chargesheet against 11 people.

Khaleda filed the petition with the HC challenging the legality of the case against her.

On July 9, 2008, the High Court adjourned the proceedings of the case.