The High Court has published the full verdict that cleared the way for trying former prime minister Khaleda Zia for corruption in the Barapukuria coal mine deal.

As directed by the HC, publication of the full verdict on Wednesday means the BNP chairperson will have to surrender before the court within two months.

In September last year, the court rejected Khaleda’s plea to scrap the case.

The Anti Corruption Commission filed the case at Shahbagh police station on February 26, 2008, accusing Khaleda and 10 of her former cabinet colleagues of taking Tk159cr to award the coal mine deal to the highest bidder, instead of the lowest one.

In 2008, the High Court stayed the case proceedings, and in a ruling, asked the government and the ACC to explain why the case should not be dropped.

It was later upheld by the Supreme Court, bringing the case to a standstill. Khaleda secured bail on January 15, 2012.

The ACC took initiative to revive the case proceedings last year.

More to follow