Dhaka, Dec 01 (V7N) — A Dhaka court has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison and fined her Tk 100,000 for abusing her power to secure a government plot in RAJUK’s Purbachal New Town project. Her sister, Sheikh Rehana, received seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 100,000, while Rehana’s daughter, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddique, was sentenced to two years in prison and fined the same amount.

Former State Minister for Public Works Sharif Ahmed—one of the co-accused—was also sentenced to five years in prison.

Judge Md. Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-4 delivered the verdict on Monday.

In his ruling, the judge said the allegations against Sheikh Hasina had been proven, noting that Rehana’s plot was obtained through Hasina’s influence. He stated that the former prime minister had “violated all principles of RAJUK’s housing policy,” and emphasized that the actions of all the accused amounted to “criminal misconduct” by public servants. Citing a verse from Surah Al-Ma’idah, he added, “We must all stand against corruption.”

Background of the Case

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case on January 13, accusing Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddique and others of misusing power and committing irregularities in securing a 10-katha plot in the Purbachal New Town Project. ACC Deputy Director Salahuddin initially filed the case, and later ACC Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya submitted a charge sheet against 17 people on March 10 after adding two more accused.

Other Accused

The remaining accused include:

  • Md. Saiful Islam Sarkar, Administrative Officer, Ministry of Housing and Public Works

  • Senior Assistant Secretary Purbi Goldar

  • Additional Secretary Oliullah

  • Secretary Kazi Washi Uddin

  • Md. Anisur Rahman Miah, PA to the former RAJUK chairman

  • Former RAJUK members Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Tanmoy Das, and Mohammad Nasir Uddin

  • Major (Retd.) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury

  • Former director Md. Nurul Islam

  • Assistant Director Mazharul Islam

  • Deputy Director Nayeb Ali Sharif

  • Former PM’s PS-1 Mohammad Salah Uddin

  • Former State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sharif Ahmed (already convicted)

Of these, only former RAJUK member Khurshid Alam has been arrested and remains in jail. The remaining accused are absconding.

END/SMA/AJ