The conviction of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, including her sister and niece, in a corruption case related to the allocation of plots in the Purbachal New City project has opened a new chapter in the political and administrative reality of Bangladesh.
The court clearly stated in its verdict that the abuse of power, violation of rules, and obtaining plot allocation through unethical influence has been proven.
At the same time, the description of criminal misconduct given by the court, it is a stark admission of how deeply rooted corruption is in our state institutions. The verdict, given by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka’s Special Judge 4, sentenced Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison, her sister Sheikh Rehana to seven years, and her niece, British MP Tulip Rezwan Siddique, to two years.
At the same time, 15 other officials from RAJUK and the Ministry of Public Works were also given five-year prison sentences. This proves that it is important to ensure accountability even when high-ranking officials violate laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, news of this verdict has quickly spread internationally. Especially since Tulip Siddique is a member of the British Parliament, the influential media in the UK has reported this news with great importance. This verdict has established the rule of law in Bangladesh internationally and gave a message of zero tolerance policy against corruption.
Although Tulip Siddique has denied all charges, the verdict has drawn international criticism. The ACC prosecutor has expressed dissatisfaction over not receiving the maximum sentence and has indicated an appeal.
At the same time, the prosecutor announced the initiation of the process of taking action through Interpol and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to repatriate the fugitive defendants. These steps prove that the state is determined to implement the verdict in this case as corruption weakens the foundation of a society.
Earlier, a Special Judge Court 5 also sentenced Sheikh Hasina to 21 years imprisonment in three cases lodged over alleged irregularities in allocating 30 katha plots in the Purbachal project. Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were also sentenced to five years jail each in these cases by the same Special Judge’s Court.
These verdicts send a strong message that political influence or high social status cannot exempt one from the law; that is; no one is above the law. The verdict in these cases will set an important precedent in the judicial history of Bangladesh. Therefore, every step of the judicial process must be transparent, fair, and in line with international standards.
