Dhaka: Law enforcers have taken unprecedented security measures in Bakshibazar and its surrounding areas in Old Dhaka on Thursday as a makeshift court here is set to deliver verdict in a graft case against BNP Chief Khaleda Zia.

Huge police and RAB members have been deployed in the area. They have set up check-posts at different points and are searching vehicles and suspected people to prevent ‘unwarranted’ people from entering the area.

While talking to reporters after visiting the area, DMP Commissioner Asaduzaman Miah said,’We’re trying to ensure people’s security. No one is above the law.’

Law enforcers have installed a mobile network jamming device at Bakshibazar court premises.

No one, except lawyers and journalists, is allowed to enter Bakshibazar makeshift court area.

Police have cordoned off a number of BNP lawyers near the court.

While entering the court area, BNP standing committee member Barrister Moudud Ahmed said,’ Now the whole country is cordoned off. No complaint against Khaleda Zia could be proved. She’ll be relieved if she gets justice.

Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman of the makeshift court fixed the date on January 25 on completion of the argument hearing.

The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on July 3, 2008 with Ramna Police Station accusing Khaleda Zia, her eldest son Tarique Rahman, who is now living in the UK, and four others of misappropriating over 2.10 crore that came as grants from a foreign bank for orphans.

Four other accused are former BNP MP Salimul Haq Kamal and businessman Sharfuddin Ahmed, former principal secretary to the PM Kamal Uddin Siddique and Mominur Rahman, nephew of late President Ziaur Rahman.

Kamal Uddin Siddique and Mominur Rahman have been absconding.

Zia Orphanage Trust Graft Case at a glance:

•          Case filed with Ramna police on 3 July 2008

•          Plaintiff and investigation official of the case is deputy director of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Harun-Aur Rashid.

•          The case statement says the embezzlement took place from 13 November 1993 to 28 March 2007.

•          Charges framed: 5 August 2010.

•          Number of proceeding days: 261

•          Number of days Khaleda Zia appear before the court: 43

•          Khaleda Zia gave self-defence statements 8 days

•          On 25 January 2018 Special Court-5 Judge Dr Akhteruzzaman fixed 8 February 2018 for delivering the verdict of the case.