Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Receives 10-Year Prison Sentence in Land Corruption Cases
A special court in Dhaka has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 10 years in prison in two separate corruption cases. The cases are linked to alleged irregularities in the allocation of government land under the Purbachal New Town project, marking a significant development in Bangladesh's ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
Court Details and Sentencing Structure
The verdicts were announced by Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 on Sunday, with Judge Robiul Alam presiding over the proceedings. The court found Sheikh Hasina guilty of abusing her official position in connection with the allotment of a 20-katha plot in the capital city. She received five years' imprisonment in each case, with the sentences to be served consecutively, resulting in the total 10-year term.
Family Members and Co-Accused Also Convicted
In the same rulings, the court extended convictions to several family members and associates:
- Tulip Siddiq, a British Member of Parliament and niece of Sheikh Hasina, received a four-year prison sentence—two years in each case. Siddiq serves as the daughter of Sheikh Rehana and previously held a ministerial position in the United Kingdom.
- Azmina Siddiq was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment in one of the cases.
- Radwan Mujib Siddiq, also known as Bobby and the son of Sheikh Hasina, received a seven-year sentence.
Background of the Purbachal New Town Cases
The prosecutions stem from allegations that senior political figures misused their authority to secure residential plots under the government's Purbachal New Town housing initiative. One case specifically involved the alleged irregular allocation of a 20-katha plot, while the other concerned a separate allotment of a 10-katha plot.
According to official court records, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed both cases on January 13, 2025, initially naming 16 accused individuals in each matter. Following thorough investigations, the ACC submitted charge sheets on March 10, 2025, expanding the list of accused to 18 individuals in both cases.
Trial Proceedings and Witness Testimonies
The court concluded the recording of testimonies in early January this year after hearing evidence from a total of 31 witnesses. The investigation officer and ACC Assistant Director, Afnan Jannat Keya, appeared as the final prosecution witness and underwent cross-examination by the defense team.
In one of the cases, the court framed formal charges on July 31, 2025, ordering the commencement of trial proceedings. Dates for the pronouncement of judgments in both matters were fixed earlier this year, culminating in Sunday's decisive verdicts.
Political Context and Recent Developments
These convictions arrive against a backdrop of dramatic political transformations in Bangladesh. In July 2024, a student-led uprising swept across the nation, triggering widespread unrest and political instability. On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh and sought refuge in neighboring India.
Following her departure, an interim administration was established under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This interim government subsequently initiated a series of legal actions against Hasina, former cabinet members, and numerous leaders and activists associated with the Awami League political party.
The verdict represents a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's judicial and political landscape, highlighting ongoing efforts to address corruption at the highest levels of government. Legal experts anticipate that the rulings may face appeals in higher courts, potentially prolonging the legal battle surrounding these high-profile cases.
