Dhaka, Nov 28 (V7N) – Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to 21 years in prison in three cases related to plot corruption in Purbachal. Additionally, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul have each been sentenced to five years in separate cases.

The verdict was delivered on Thursday by Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of the Fifth Special Judge Court in Dhaka. The cases accused the former prime minister and her family of illegally obtaining three 10-katha plots in the Purbachal New Town project by concealing information about their existing properties. A total of 47 defendants are involved in these cases, with 22 being individual persons.

Alongside Sheikh Hasina and her children, 21 others were sentenced in the three cases, including former RAJUK members, housing ministry officials, and advisers. Sentences range from one year to 18 years, with corresponding fines. Incarceration terms include both simple and rigorous imprisonment for non-payment of fines.

The judge remarked that Hasina’s actions showed greed for public property, noting that affidavits submitted by her were invalid and lacked proper certification. He criticized the breach of public trust and emphasized the need for whistleblowing systems to reduce corruption in government institutions.

Following the verdict, a cocktail explosion occurred outside the Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. No injuries were reported, and authorities are investigating the incident.

The court proceedings began on July 31, with the family appearing as absconding defendants and without legal representation. Verdicts were read sequentially for all three cases, reflecting one of the most high-profile anti-corruption rulings in Bangladesh’s recent history.

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