The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has released the complete 59-page verdict acquitting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and several others in the long-standing Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Delivered on January 15 by a five-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, the unanimous ruling overturned the earlier convictions handed down by the trial court and the High Court. The full text, published on November 4 on the Supreme Court’s official website, declared that all appellants were found not guilty, effectively nullifying the prior sentences of imprisonment and fines. The verdict also stated that the prosecution had involved a “malicious misuse of law” and that the ruling applies to others convicted who did not file appeals. The judgment marks a significant legal and political turning point, restoring the reputation of the accused and putting an end to what the court described as unjust proceedings. The original case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2008, resulting in a 2018 conviction of Khaleda Zia and others. With this decision, the Supreme Court brings closure to one of Bangladesh’s most politically charged legal battles.