Staff Reporter :
A sprawling network of luxurious vacation homes and estates in Gazipur, linked to Sheikh Rehana, the younger sister of former ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has come to light. The properties, designed as tranquil retreats for the family, are now at the center of controversy following the fall of Hasina’s government on August 5 last year.
The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into the family’s wealth, uncovering assets valued at over Tk 165 crore (approximately $16.5 million). The findings have fueled public outcry, especially as political tensions rise and allegations against Sheikh Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq, mount in the United Kingdom.
A glimpse into Tulip’s territory
One of the most notable estates, called “Tulip’s Territory,” is located in Kanaiya, Gazipur. Spanning 35 bighas (about 11 acres), the estate includes a grand bungalow, a landscaped garden, and a pond, embodying sheer opulence. Named after Tulip Siddiq, the property is managed by Rehana’s husband, Shafiq Siddiq, who oversees its upkeep.
Speaking to the media, Abdur Rahim, a security guard at the estate, detailed the unrest that followed the political upheaval. “On August 5, angry mobs vandalized two bungalows, smashing windows and looting furniture. Since then, no family member has visited the property,” he said.
Local residents confirmed heightened security around the property in the past, with government agencies ensuring privacy during family visits. However, since the political shift, the estate has been shrouded in silence.
Expansive Wealth in Gazipur The ACC’s investigation has revealed more high-value properties tied to Sheikh Rehana’s family, including- 25-bigha estate named Bagan Bilas in Bangalgachh, featuring a serene three-room thatched house, a pond, and a watchtower, a 23-bigha estate in Faokal, near the Bangladesh Armaments and Mint facilities, purchased in 2012 under questionable circumstances and a 15-16 bigha property in Kalikair’s Mauchak area, used for private family retreats and political gatherings.
Documents show these properties are owned by close relatives, including Rehana’s husband, Shafiq Siddiq, and her brother-in-law, Tariq Siddiq. Land purchases were facilitated by influential intermediaries, often raising suspicions of irregularities.
Residents of Kanaiya have expressed frustration over the exclusivity of these estates, which they describe as “parks” inaccessible to locals. Wadud Hossain, a resident, said, “For years, this property has been off-limits. It was designed as a private sanctuary for Sheikh Rehana’s family.”
Meanwhile, local unrest has grown, with some residents hesitant to speak openly about the family’s dealings. Hafiz Uddin, another resident, remarked, “We’re poor people. Speaking out could bring trouble.”
ACC Investigation Intensifies The ACC has confirmed that its investigation is far from over. “So far, we’ve identified four vacation homes tied to Sheikh Rehana’s family,” an anonymous official told the media. “These properties, combined with additional findings, paint a picture of vast, undisclosed wealth.”
Public scrutiny has also intensified following Tulip Siddiq’s resignation in the UK amid allegations of unethical conduct. This has amplified calls for accountability, both domestically and abroad.