A Bangladesh court sentenced former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Thursday to five years in prison on corruption charges.

The conviction means that Zia, the archrival of the current prime minister, could be barred from running in December national elections.

Zia was taken to a Dhaka prison under heavy security.

In a country riven by dynastic politics, security forces fearing clashes had poured into the streets ahead of the verdict, along with supporters of both major political parties.

Defence lawyer Mahbub Uddin Kokhon said Zia ordered him to appeal.

Zia was convicted of embezzling some 250,000 US dollars in donations meant for an orphanage trust established when she was last prime minister, from 2001-2006.

Judge Mohammed Akhtaruzzaman, who announced the verdict in a courtroom in Dhaka's Old City, also sentenced Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, and four others to 10 years in prison for involvement in the crime.

All can appeal their convictions.

Bangladesh law says anyone imprisoned for more than two years cannot run for office for the next five years, but Law Minister Anisul Huq said the final decision rests with the appeals courts.