Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated legal proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six of her family members, accusing them of unlawfully acquiring land plots within the Purbachal New Town project. The ACC has filed three lawsuits alleging that Hasina utilized her position as then Prime Minister to improperly obtain six plots in the diplomatic zone of Sector 27 in collaboration with public officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the Capital Development Authority, known as Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). This alleged conspiracy involved high-ranking officials like the Secretary of the Housing Ministry and RAJUK’s former chairman.
According to the ACC, the former Prime Minister worked alongside her family members, including her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed, to hide their ownership interests in these properties. Among those implicated is Tulip Siddiq, a UK Member of Parliament and niece of Hasina, adding international dimensions to the accusations. The cases are based on alleged violations of sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, reflecting serious charges against those formerly in power.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court has set April 10, 2025, as the date to review the ACC’s investigation findings. This ongoing legal battle points to a significant focus on corruption in a nation where high-level graft has long been a concern.
Sheikh Hasina, who resigned from office and relocated to India amid political unrest, faces multiple charges beyond this recent lawsuit, including alleged crimes against humanity and involvement in forced disappearances during her tenure as Prime Minister. Her resignation in 2024 was preceded by violent national protests triggered by the re-imposition of a controversial quota system for government jobs.
This latest development could escalate diplomatic tensions, especially considering the international implications involving a sitting UK parliamentarian. For further details, refer to the full report by JURIST.