Hasina, Rehana and Tulip jailed in Purbachal plot scam

A Dhaka court on Monday sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years’ imprisonment, her sister Sheikh Rehana to seven years, and Rehana’s daughter Tulip Rizwana Siddiq to two years in the Purbachal plot allocation scam.

The court also fined 17 individuals Tk1 lakh each for their roles in alleged irregularities under the RAJUK Purbachal New Town Project. Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 delivered the verdict, finding the accused guilty under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 109 of the Penal Code.

This is the fourth conviction against Hasina since she fled the country on 5 August 2024 following a mass uprising that ended her rule.

Other accused who received five-year sentences include former state minister for housing and public works Sharif Ahmed, former secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin, former additional secretary Oliullah, ex-senior assistant secretary Purabi Goldar, former administrative officer Md Saiful Islam Sarkar, and several former RAJUK officials, directors and members. Former RAJUK official Khurshid Alam was present during the verdict.

The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case on 13 January, submitting a charge sheet on 10 March. The court recorded testimonies from 32 prosecution witnesses, concluding the trial on 18 November.

The ACC filed six related cases in January accusing members of the Sheikh family and former officials of irregularities in the Purbachal project. A gazette notice was issued on 1 July summoning around 100 accused, and charges were framed on 31 July, with arrest warrants issued for absconders.