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    Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment in Bangladesh Corruption Cases

    4 hours ago

    A special court in Bangladesh on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 10 years in prison after finding her guilty in two corruption-related cases linked to alleged irregularities in the allocation of government land. The verdict marks a significant legal development involving the country’s longest-serving political leader, who was removed from office amid widespread unrest last year.

    The judgment was delivered by Dhaka Special Judge’s Court–4, presided over by Judge Rabiul Alam. The court awarded five years’ imprisonment in each case, to run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 10 years. The cases relate to alleged misuse of authority during the allocation of residential plots under a government housing project on the outskirts of Dhaka.

    Along with Ms. Hasina, several members of her extended family and former officials were also convicted. The court held that the accused violated established rules and procedures governing the distribution of land under the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), the capital’s urban development authority.

    Details of the Case

    According to the prosecution, the cases stem from alleged irregularities in the allocation of two plots, each measuring 10 kathas, under the Rajuk New Town Project in the Purbachal area. Investigators claimed that the allocation process was manipulated, and mandatory eligibility criteria and administrative safeguards were bypassed.

    The cases were filed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which accused the former prime minister and other defendants of abusing their official position to secure undue benefits. The prosecution argued that the actions caused financial and institutional damage to the state and undermined public trust in governance mechanisms.

    The court pronounced the verdict at around midday, after hearing final arguments from both sides. In addition to the prison sentences, the court imposed monetary penalties on all convicted individuals. Each was fined Tk 1 lakh, with an additional six months’ imprisonment stipulated in case of default on payment.

    Sentences for Other Accused

    Among the co-accused, Ms. Hasina’s nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq and her niece Azmina Siddiq were sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment in each case. Another niece, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, received a sentence of four years, comprising two years in each case.

    A former Rajuk official, Mohammad Khurshid Alam, who surrendered before the court during the proceedings, was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment in each case, amounting to a total of two years. The court noted his cooperation but maintained that accountability was necessary to uphold institutional integrity.

    Background and Current Status

    Sheikh Hasina, 78, has been residing in India since August last year, after leaving Bangladesh during a period of intense public protests that culminated in her removal from office. Following her departure, Bangladeshi courts had declared her a fugitive in connection with multiple cases, including the present ones.

    Legal experts in Dhaka noted that the verdict has been delivered in absentia, as Ms. Hasina did not appear before the court during the trial. Under Bangladeshi law, convicted individuals sentenced in absentia have the option to seek legal remedies upon surrender or appearance before the court.

    This is not the first time the former prime minister has faced legal action. Over the past year, several cases have been registered against her, covering allegations ranging from corruption to abuse of power. Ms. Hasina has consistently denied the charges, with her associates describing them as politically motivated. However, the court stated that the verdict was based on documentary evidence and testimonies presented during the trial.

    Political and Legal Implications

    The sentencing has added to the already complex political situation in Bangladesh, where institutions are undergoing significant transitions following last year’s upheaval. Analysts say the case underscores the growing role of the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies in addressing allegations against high-ranking political figures.

    While reactions from political parties and civil society groups are still emerging, legal observers expect appeals to be filed once procedural avenues are pursued. The outcome of such appeals, and the broader impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape, will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.

    For now, the court’s decision stands as one of the most consequential rulings involving a former head of government in the country’s recent history, reinforcing the message that legal accountability applies regardless of political stature.

     
     
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