Verdict nears in six graft cases against Hasina, Rehana, family

The verdict in six corruption cases against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana and several of their family members over alleged irregularities in the Purbachal New Town Project is expected by late October or early November, according to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen said on Wednesday that witness testimonies are nearing completion, and the court could deliver verdicts within weeks.

He spoke after signing a five-year memorandum of understanding with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at the ACC headquarters.

“There are over 120 witnesses in the six cases. Most testimonies have already been heard, and we expect verdicts after two or three more hearings,” said ACC Deputy Director and spokesperson Akhtarul Islam.

Court sources said the Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 has so far examined 21 witnesses in three of the cases, with the next hearing scheduled for 30 September. Among those who testified recently are Sonali Bank officials, a magistrate, city corporation registrars and ACC investigators.     

The other three cases are being tried at Dhaka Special Judge Court-4, which has recorded testimony from 15 witnesses and set 6 October for the next hearing. Witnesses have included officials from Eastern Housing, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, and ACC investigators.

The cases were filed by the ACC between 12 and 14 January this year, accusing members of the Sheikh family and several government and RAJUK officials of irregularities in plot allocations under the Purbachal New Town Project. Charge sheets were submitted on 10 March.

On 31 July, charges were formally framed and arrest warrants issued for the accused, who are currently absconding.

Earlier, on 1 July, the court ordered a gazette notification summoning around 100 accused persons across the six cases.

The accused include Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, Rehana’s son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Boby, and daughters Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq Ruponti. Several government and RAJUK officials are also facing trial.

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