The Supreme Court's Appellate Division has concluded hearings on the appeal filed by BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, challenging the High Court’s verdict that extended her sentence to 10 years in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The court, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, has set tomorrow, Wednesday, as the date for announcing its verdict.

Earlier, the Supreme Court scheduled today, January 14, for the continuation of the hearing on Khaleda Zia’s appeal. However, during proceedings, it was noted that one of the co-appellants, former MP Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal, had not submitted the summary of his appeal. Following a request from his counsel for more time to file the required summary, the court adjourned the hearing until today.

The Appellate Division bench, comprising five judges led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, heard arguments from both sides over three days. Senior lawyers Zainul Abedin, Barrister A.M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Barrister Badruddoza Badal, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Advocate Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajol, Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan, and Maksud Ullah appeared on behalf of Khaleda Zia. The state was represented by Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, Additional Attorneys General Barrister Mohammad Arshadur Rouf and Barrister Anir Ahmed Haque. Senior lawyer Md. Asif Hasan argued on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The ACC lawyer informed the court that the Zia Orphanage Trust fund had not been misappropriated but merely transferred, with the money, including interest, still intact in an account. He argued that no funds had been spent or embezzled.

This appeal stems from a case filed by the ACC, where on February 8, 2018, a special court sentenced Khaleda Zia to five years in prison. The court, located at the Directorate of Prisons' parade ground in Bakshibazar, also sentenced five co-defendants, including BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and former MP Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal, to 10 years of imprisonment each.

Subsequently, on March 28, 2018, the High Court issued a rule to increase Khaleda Zia’s sentence following a petition by the ACC. On October 30, 2018, the High Court bench, consisting of Justice M. Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md. Mostafizur Rahman, upheld the ACC's plea and extended her sentence from five to 10 years.

In November 2019, Khaleda Zia filed a leave-to-appeal against the High Court’s verdict. The Appellate Division granted her permission to proceed with the appeal on November 11, 2019, and temporarily suspended the extended sentence pending further review.

Khaleda Zia, who has consistently denied the charges, maintains that the case is politically motivated. Her legal team has argued that the original funds were neither misused nor misappropriated, asserting her innocence.

The outcome of tomorrow’s verdict will determine the future of Khaleda Zia’s legal battles and her political career, as it has significant implications for the country’s political landscape.