Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to 21 Years in Land Allotment Cases

Islamabad (Daily Qudrat) — Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison in three separate cases related to the illegal allotment of government land.

According to international news agencies, a Bangladeshi court ruled that Hasina obtained government plots in the suburban areas of Dhaka for herself and her family. The cases were filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission, accusing her of illegally allocating valuable land under the Purbachal New Town project.

Judge Abdullah Al Mamun stated that Hasina misused her official powers and treated public land as personal property to benefit herself and close relatives. In each case, Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to seven years, which are to be served consecutively, totaling 21 years.

Additionally, Hasina’s son, Sajib Wajed, and daughter, Saima Wajed, were sentenced to five years in prison in one of the cases. The prosecution expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict and said it would appeal for maximum punishment.

Last week, Hasina had also been sentenced to death in a separate case concerning crimes against humanity, related to her orders for a crackdown on a student-led protest last year.

Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh for India on August 5, 2024, and has not returned despite court orders. Reports suggest that the Indian government is reviewing Bangladesh’s extradition request. Hasina and her party, the Awami League, have called the proceedings politically motivated, while some international human rights organizations have questioned the transparency of the judicial process. Other cases regarding the illegal acquisition of government land are still pending, with one verdict expected on December 1.