Law Desk
Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 has scheduled December 1 for delivering judgment in a case involving 17 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and niece Tulip Siddique, over alleged irregularities in the allocation of a 10-katha plot in the RAJUK New Town Project.
Judge Robiul Alam issued the order after both the prosecution and defence concluded their arguments in the case, ACC public prosecutor Mir Ahammed Salam confirmed to BSS.
The court had earlier fixed November 25 for hearing arguments following the conclusion of the testimony phase. On November 23, submissions were made by the defence counsel for one of the accused, Khurshid Alam, who pleaded not guilty. The remaining 16 accused are absconding and are being tried in absentia.
During the trial, the testimony phase concluded on November 18 with the deposition of Afnan Jannat Keya, assistant director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the investigation officer (IO) for the case. A total of 32 prosecution witnesses provided statements regarding the allegations.
The case was initially filed on January 13, 2025, by ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin against 15 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and Tulip Siddique. The investigation officer subsequently submitted a charge sheet on March 10, 2025, naming 17 accused.
Earlier, on July 31, Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 framed charges in three related cases, while Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 framed charges in three other identical cases on the same day. The cases concern alleged irregularities in land allocation under the RAJUK New Town Project, which has been under ACC investigation for potential corruption and misuse of authority.
The upcoming judgment is expected to have legal and political ramifications, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the implications for public sector land allocation oversight. Legal experts note that the trial, which has involved extensive witness testimonies and procedural hearings, reflects the ACC’s ongoing efforts to address alleged administrative and financial misconduct in public real estate projects.
As proceedings advance, the court’s decision will conclude a multi-phase legal process that began with the filing of the case and the subsequent framing of charges, extending over a period of nearly a year.