Trial Begins Against Sheikh Hasina, Son, and Daughter in Purbachal Plot Graft Cases: Arrest Warrants Issued

The formal trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul has commenced in three separate graft cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) concerning fraudulent plot allocations in the Purbachal New Town Project. On Thursday (July 31), Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun framed charges against them. As the accused are currently absconding, arrest warrants have been issued.

ACC Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam stated, “Charges have been framed in three cases. The first case involves Sheikh Hasina and 11 others, the second includes Sheikh Hasina and Sajeeb Wazed Joy among 17 accused, and the third names Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed Putul among 18 accused.” He further noted that due to the absence of the accused in court, arrest warrants were issued, and August 11 has been set for recording evidence.

The cases stem from allegations of irregularities in the allocation of 30 kathas of land in the Purbachal New Town Project, where the accused are said to have abused political power to secure plots unlawfully. Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster on August 5, 2024, following a student-led uprising, faces additional charges, including mass murders and crimes against humanity, being investigated by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.