The Supreme Court (SC) will pass an order today on two petitions filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia seeking review of its May 16 order that directed the High Court (HC) to hear and dispose of her appeal in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case by July 31.

In her review petitions she prayed for a time extension to conclude the hearing in the case. 

The four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain fixed the date after hearing the review petitions yesterday.

Advocate AJ Mohammad Ali argued for Khaleda while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan appeared for the government and the Anti-Corruption Commission respectively.

On May 16, the Appellate Division upheld an HC order that granted four-month bail to Khaleda in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and also ordered the HC bench to hear and dispose of her appeal by July 31.

Earlier on February 8, the Special Judge's Court-5 of Dhaka sentenced Khaleda to five years' imprisonment in connection with the case filed by the ACC.

Meanwhile, the HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman yesterday for the 10th day continued hearing Khaleda's appeal challenging the trial court verdict in the case.

The BNP chief filed an appeal with the HC in this regard on February 20 this year. The appeal hearing began on July 12. 

COMILLA MURDER CASE

The HC bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice SM Mozibur Rahman fixed tomorrow (August 1) for delivering its verdict on a bail petition filed by Khaleda in connection with a murder case lodged against her in Comilla in 2015.

The case was filed for torching a bus and killing eight persons and injuring 25-26 others in Comilla's Chouddagram on February 2, 2015, Deputy Attorney General Dr Md Bashir Ullah said.

On May 28, the HC granted six months' bail to Khaleda and issued a rule asking the government to explain why the BNP chief should not get permanent bail in this case.

Following the bail petition filed by Khaleda, the HC on May 28 this year granted six months' bail to Khaleda in this case and issued a rule asking the government to explain why Khaleda should not be granted permanent bail in this case.

On May 31, an SC chamber judge stayed the HC order that granted bail to Khaleda Zia in the murder case. Later on July 2, the apex court extended its chamber judge's order, but asked the HC to hear and dispose of the rule within four weeks.

Advocate Khandker Mahbub Hossain and Advocate Zainul Abedin appeared for Khaleda while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam argued for the state.