Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison in three separate corruption cases. The cases are related to land allotments in the Purbachal New Town Project.
The verdicts were announced in Hasina’s absence, as she is currently living in exile in India. Earlier this month, she was also sentenced to death in a separate case linked to government actions following public protests after her 15-year rule ended.
Details of the Corruption Cases
The court ruled that Sheikh Hasina illegally acquired land for herself and her family. Each of the three cases carries a seven-year prison term, and the Dhaka Special Court has ordered that the sentences be served consecutively.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, and daughter, Saima Wazed, were also sentenced to five years in one of the cases. Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, condemned the verdicts and stated that she did not even appoint a defense lawyer for the proceedings.
Political Context
The Anti-Corruption Commission filed these cases after Hasina was removed from power. Bangladesh is currently under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, with new elections expected in February.
Sheikh Hasina Reacts
Sheikh Hasina has called the verdict politically motivated and biased, claiming it is part of a broader effort to target her and her family. New developments in related land cases are expected by December 1.