The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The trial court on Monday adjourned the hearing till July 16 to indict former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and others in the Niko scam.

Judge Khondoker Kamal Uzzaman set the next date as her lawyers prayed for halting the hearing to allow them to file a petition to the High Court against his order rejecting their earlier plea.

The trial court on June 18 last rejected a defence counsel prayer seeking adjournment of the hearing till disposal of the Niko case against ex-premier Sheikh Hasina by another court.

Earlier, Begum Zia under the security escort appeared before the relocated court in the parliament complex from her nearby sub-jail.

She was produced along with other accused in the case including former law minister Moudud Ahmed, former state minister AKM Mosharraf Hossain, former secretary Khandaker Shahidul Islam, former BAPEX managing director Mir Moynul Hoque, former BAPEX secretary Mohammad Shafiur Rahman, businessman Selim Bhuiyan and Tarique Zia's business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case on December 9 last year under the Emergency Powers Rules (EPR).

After completion of the court function, Begum Zia while talking to reporters alleged that the present government has failed to check the price hike of essentials.