National Desk
A Dhaka court today convicted and sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 21 years imprisonment in three separate cases concerning alleged irregularities in the allocation of 30-katha plots under the RAJUK New Town Project in Purbachal. The court also imposed fines and handed down sentences to several of her family members and former officials involved in the cases.
Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 delivered the judgment in absentia, as none of the convicts have yet been taken into custody. Each of the three cases resulted in a seven-year sentence for Sheikh Hasina, with a fine of Taka one lakh per case, or an additional 18 months of imprisonment in default of payment.
In addition, Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, were each sentenced to five years in prison in the respective cases filed against them, with fines of Taka one lakh each, or one month of additional imprisonment in default.
The three cases collectively involved 47 accused individuals, representing 23 distinct persons. The court found 22 of them guilty, imposing varying jail terms and fines. Former State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sharif Ahmed, former Secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker, and former Additional Secretary (Administration) Kazi Wasi Uddin received 18-year sentences and fines of Taka three lakh each across the three cases. Former Senior Assistant Secretary Purabi Goldar was sentenced to one year in prison for each case, with a total fine of Taka 20,000. Former RAJUK Chairman Md Anisur Rahman Miah received a 15-year sentence and a Taka 1,50,000 fine.
Additional sentences included nine years imprisonment and Taka 60,000 fines each for former RAJUK members Mohammad Nasir Uddin and Major (Retd) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury. Former RAJUK member Kabir Al Asad was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined Taka 20,000 in one case. Former RAJUK members Tanmay Das and Md Nurul Islam received six-year sentences and Taka 40,000 fines each in two cases, while Mohammad Khurshid Alam was sentenced to three years and fined Taka 15,000 across three cases.
Former RAJUK Director Sheikh Shahinul Islam and Assistant Director Md Kamrul Islam were sentenced to three years in prison and fined Taka 20,000 each. Former Deputy Directors Md Hafizur Rahman and Habibur Rahman were given one-year sentences with Taka 5,000 fines each. Former Deputy Director Naeb Ali Sharif received two years imprisonment and a Taka 10,000 fine across two cases. Former Assistant Director Mazharul Islam was sentenced to one year and fined Taka 5,000. Former personal secretary Mohammad Salahuddin to the former prime minister received 12 years of rigorous imprisonment and a Taka two lakh fine in two cases. RAJUK Administrative Officer Md Saiful Islam Sarkar was acquitted.
The court highlighted that the plots had been allotted to Sheikh Hasina without formal application and beyond legally authorized jurisdiction. The judgment also noted that the existing provision allowing government recommendation for plot allotment should not be maintained.
The cases were initiated in January 2025 by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The first case, filed on January 14 by ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin, initially involved eight accused, later expanded to 12, concerning alleged irregular allocation of a 10-katha plot. The second case, filed by ACC Assistant Director SM Rashedul Hasan, initially named 15 accused, later expanded to 17, including Sheikh Hasina and Sajeeb Wazed Joy. The third case, filed on January 12 by ACC Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya, involved 16 people initially, later expanded to 18, including Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed Putul.
The court framed charges on July 31, 2025, and issued arrest warrants for all accused. A total of 29 witnesses testified throughout the proceedings. The judgment was read in court from 11:23 am to 11:40 am, delivering sentences and fines to all convicted individuals.