Dhaka, Feb. 19 -- A Dhaka court has cleared BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others of corruption charges stemming from the Niko gas exploration and extraction deal.

Judge Rabiul Alam of the Dhaka Special Judge's Court No. 4 delivered the verdict in the case on Wednesday, bdnews24.com reports.

Khaleda, a former prime minister, is currently in London for medical treatment.

The seven others acquitted in the case are Kamaluddin Siddiqui, principal secretary to the former prime minister, Khandaker Shahidul Islam, former acting secretary of the energy and mineral resources ministry, CM Yusuf Hussain, former senior assistant secretary, Meer Moynul Haque, former senior general manager of BAPEX, businessman Gias Uddin Al Mamun, Selim Bhui...