Dhaka, Nov 27 (V7N) – A Dhaka court is set to deliver its verdict today in three corruption cases filed over the alleged misuse of power and fraudulent allocation of six government plots in the Purbachal New Town Project. The cases name former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 23 others as accused.
Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka’s Fifth Special Judge Court fixed the verdict date last Sunday after concluding closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Public Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Salam confirmed the scheduled verdict.
During Wednesday’s hearing, only one accused, former RAJUK member (Estate and Land) Mohammad Khurshid Alam, was produced before the court. He is the sole accused currently in custody. His lawyer, Shaheenur Rahman, argued that the charges were unproven and sought his acquittal.
ACC prosecutor Khan Md Mainul Hasan Lipon submitted final arguments on behalf of the commission, seeking the maximum punishment—life imprisonment—for Sheikh Hasina and all other fugitives in the case. He expressed confidence that the court would impose the highest penalty as requested.
The ACC filed six cases in January this year over allegations of corruption in allocating government plots. Charge sheets were later submitted in all cases, and trials in three of them have already concluded. Arrest warrants remain in force for Sheikh Hasina, members of her family, and other accused who are currently absconding.
Witness examinations in the three cases were completed on November 10. During the self-defense hearing on November 17, accused Khurshid Alam claimed innocence.
On July 31, the court framed charges against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and members of their family including Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and Azmiena Siddiq, along with 23 total defendants.
Other accused include former state minister Sharif Ahmed, former prime minister’s secretary Salahuddin, former secretaries and senior officials of the Housing Ministry and RAJUK.
According to the charge sheet, Sheikh Hasina and members of her family abused their authority while in office by securing six residential plots in Purbachal’s Sector 27, Road 203, despite not being eligible. Investigators allege the allocations were made with dishonest intent and involved serious procedural violations.
The court is expected to announce the verdict later today.
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