A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others in the Niko corruption case. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4. Earlier, on February 13, the court concluded the defense hearing and arguments before setting the verdict date for today. The defendants maintained their innocence, while Begum Zia, currently undergoing treatment abroad, was unable to appear in court. On the other hand, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had sought the maximum penalty. The case was initially filed during the caretaker government’s tenure against Khaleda Zia and 10 others.