Purbachal Plot Scam: Verdict on Hasina, Tulip, Azmina today

Staff Reporter:

A Dhaka court is set to deliver its verdict today in two corruption cases over alleged irregularities in plot allocation under the Purbachal New Town Project, involving ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her relatives, including nieces Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq, and nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq.

Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-4 will announce the verdicts in the two cases. While the charge sheets name 36 accused in total, 22 individuals are involved, as several defendants appear in both cases.

ACC Public Prosecutor Tarikul Islam said the prosecution has proved the allegations with evidence and expressed hope for maximum punishment.

One case was filed on 13 January last year against Azmina Siddiq for allegedly abusing power to obtain a 10-katha plot, naming Sheikh Hasina, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and 13 others. A charge sheet against 18 accused was submitted on 10 March. On the same day, a separate case was filed against Radwan Mujib Siddiq on similar allegations, also naming Hasina, Tulip and 13 others; a charge sheet against 18 accused followed.

Other accused include senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, former Rajuk chairmen and directors, additional and assistant secretaries, and political figures, including former state minister Sharif Ahmed. The court set 2 February for the verdict after concluding arguments in January.

Prosecutors allege the accused concealed ownership of residential properties and colluded to violate allocation rules, with Hasina accused of abusing her executive authority to influence the process. The cases invoke multiple sections of the Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Earlier, Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to a total of 26 years’ imprisonment in four separate Purbachal-related corruption cases, while other accused received varying jail terms.