Niko Graft Case

What Is the Niko Graft Case?

• It centers on allegations that Khaleda Zia and others misused state power to sign a gas‑exploration / extraction deal with the Canadian company Niko Resources.


• The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) said the deal caused massive financial loss to the state.


• According to the ACC’s claim, the loss was about Tk 13,777 crore.


• There were also procedural problems: the court later observed that the agreement in question dated back to a time when Sheikh Hasina was in power, not Khaleda.


• During the investigation/trial, the court allowed testimony from an FBI agent and two Canadian RCMP officers.

Timeline / Key Legal Events

• 9 December 2007: ACC filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station.


• 5 May 2008: ACC formally pressed charges against 11 individuals, including Khaleda Zia.


• 19 March 2023: Charges (framing) were made for 8 or more accused, including Khaleda.


• 23 May 2023: Trial resumed after a long delay (15 years) per a court order.


• 19 February 2025: Verdict delivered - Khaleda Zia and seven others were acquitted.


• 2 March 2025: Full judgment (133 pages) released; the court stated the case was meant to "tarnish her reputation."