Bangladesh SC stays Khaleda Zia’s release

Dhaka: Bangladesh Supreme Court on Monday stayed the release of former prime minister Khaleda Zia on bail in a corruption case in which she was sentenced to five years in jail, prompting her party to announce a nation-wide demonstrations on Tuesday demanding her unconditional release.

Zia, 72, was sentenced on February 8 in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about US$ 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust. “The full Bench of the appellate division (SC) stayed until May 8 her (Zia’s) bail,” a spokesperson said. from the Attorney General’s office said.  PTI