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Saturday | January 24, 2026 | Dhaka

Hasina awaits Dec 1 verdict in plot scam case

Published · Updated

Staff Reporter :

A Dhaka court on Tuesday fixed December 1 for delivering judgment in a high-profile case concerning irregularities in the allocation of a 10-katha plot in the RAJUK New Town Project. The case names 17 people, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and niece Tulip Siddique.

Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 passed the order after both the prosecution and defence concluded their arguments in the trial, ACC public prosecutor Mir Ahammed Salam told the media.

Earlier, on November 23, the court had fixed Tuesday for the submission of arguments. During that session, the counsel for accused Khurshid Alam pleaded not guilty. The remaining 16 accused are absconding and are being tried in absentia.

The testimony phase of the trial concluded on November 18, when Investigation Officer and ACC Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya completed her deposition. A total of 32 prosecution witnesses testified over the course of the trial.

The case was originally filed by ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin on January 13, 2025, against 15 individuals, including Hasina, Rehana, and Siddique. The investigation later submitted a charge sheet against 17 accused on March 10.

Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 framed charges in three such cases on July 31, while Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 framed charges in three other identical cases on the same day.

This case comes shortly after the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdict against Sheikh Hasina, which has intensified scrutiny of her tenure and dealings in office. The RAJUK plot case, alleging irregularities in allocation of prime land in the capital, adds to the growing legal challenges facing the former prime minister. Observers note that the trial in absentia of most accused reflects the difficulty of pursuing legal proceedings against high-profile political figures who are outside the country.

Legal experts say the December 1 verdict could have significant political ramifications, as it involves senior leaders of the former government and affects public perception ahead of the upcoming political calendar in Bangladesh.