Plot scam Hasina, Rehana, Tulip’s verdict today
Staff Reporter :
A Dhaka court is set to hand down its verdict on Monday in a corruption case against 17 people, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and niece Tulip Siddique, over alleged irregularities in the allocation of a 10-katha plot in the RAJUK Purbachal New Town Project.
Dhaka Special Judge Court-4, led by Judge Robiul Alam, fixed the date on November 25 after both sides wrapped up their arguments.
ACC public prosecutor Mir Ahammed Salam said they expect the maximum punishment. “We have successfully proved the allegations against
the accused,” he said.
On November 23, the court set November 25 for arguments and heard submissions from defence counsel Khurshid Alam, who argued his client was not guilty. The remaining 16 accused, all absconding, were tried in absentia.
The court closed the testimony phase on November 18 after the investigation officer, ACC assistant director Afnan Jannat Keya, completed her deposition. In total, 32 prosecution witnesses testified.
ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin filed the case on January 13, 2025 against 15 people, including Hasina, Rehana and Tulip. The charge sheet, naming 17 accused, was submitted on March 10.
On July 31, Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 framed charges in three such cases, while Special Judge Court-5 framed charges in three more identical cases the same day.
The upcoming judgment comes on the heels of two major convictions against Sheikh Hasina delivered earlier this month.
Earlier on 17 November, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in the related case.
Former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term after turning state witness.
Hasina and Kamal were tried in absentia, while Abdullah Al-Mamun appeared before the tribunal to give testimony.
On 27 November, Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 delivered another set of verdicts against the ousted prime minister.
Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mamun said Hasina’s actions in the Rajuk plot allocation scandal reflected “greed for wealth.”
The judge observed that Hasina moved to take possession of a Purbachal plot despite not filing a formal application as required by Rajuk rules. In three separate corruption cases linked to plot allocations, the court handed her a total of 21 years in prison – seven years in each case.
Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were each sentenced to five years, with Joy facing an additional Tk1 lakh fine.
Judge Mamun, in his detailed observations, said Hasina ignored the mandatory process for acquiring a Rajuk plot, noting that she never applied using the prescribed form.