Dhaka, Dec 03 (V7N) – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has issued a response regarding the verdict and sentencing of Tulip Siddiq in the high-profile plot allocation corruption case. The statement was released on December 2.
 
ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen stated that as an independent constitutional body, the commission thoroughly reviewed all prosecution materials, including charges and evidence, submitted against Tulip Siddiq.
 
According to case files, the allegations largely pertain to the illegal allocation of valuable government plots in Dhaka under the names of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and their close relatives. In one ongoing case, evidence shows that Tulip Siddiq herself received an additional plot allocation during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister. The prosecution claims that key figures, including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and Tulip Siddiq, went into hiding to evade judicial proceedings.
 
One case, Case No. 18/2025, tried at the Dhaka Special Judge Court, concluded with Tulip Siddiq being found guilty. The prosecution alleged that she exploited her familial influence to secure government plots in the names of her mother and siblings. The court heard testimony from 32 witnesses, several of whom confirmed in court that Tulip Siddiq, as a close relative of the Prime Minister, exercised undue influence to obtain these allocations. Evidence indicates that she was directly involved in the unlawful acquisition of government land, violating multiple sections of the Penal Code and the Anti-Corruption Act, 1947.
 
The case also revealed that Tulip Siddiq personally received a high-value plot—originally numbered CWN (A)-27, later changed to Plot No. 05, Block NE(A), Gulshan, Flat B/201, House No. 5 & 5B (currently 115 & 11B), Road No. 71, Gulshan-2, Dhaka—acquired through the misuse of her aunt’s authority. These plots are located in Dhaka’s prime Gulshan area, originally intended to reduce population density and ease housing shortages, but instead were allegedly allocated to close relatives, enhancing family wealth.
 
Investigations further indicate Tulip Siddiq’s links to multiple properties in London, purchased through offshore companies, raising questions about the source of funds for acquisitions in two of the world’s most expensive cities. The ACC noted that despite interest in clarifying this, Tulip Siddiq did not appear in court to present her defense and did not submit any representation through legal counsel.
 
ACC emphasized that claims of being denied the opportunity to defend herself are unfounded. She was given the chance to appear in court and present her case voluntarily but chose not to do so. A comprehensive analysis of all evidence indicates her involvement as a facilitator in corruption cases in Bangladesh.
 
On December 2, the Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 delivered sentences in the case concerning abuse of power and fraudulent plot allocations in the RAJUK Purbachal New Town project. Sheikh Rehana received a seven-year prison term, her daughter Tulip Rizwana Siddiq was sentenced to two years, while former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 15 other accused received five years each. All convicts were fined Tk 1 lakh, with an additional six months’ imprisonment if the fines remain unpaid.
 
The verdict has since sparked widespread discussion in international media, and Tulip Siddiq herself expressed criticism of the court’s decision.
 
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