Arguments in plot allocation graft case against Hasina, family on 25 Nov

A Dhaka court has fixed 25 November for the hearing of arguments in a corruption case filed over alleged irregularities in Rajuk's plot allocation involving former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, and 17 others.

After the hearing today (23 November), Judge Md Robiul Alam of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-4 set the new date.

The day had originally been fixed for the examination of the accused and hearings under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

For this purpose, the only arrested accused in the case – Rajuk member Khurshid Alam (Estate and Land) – was produced before the court from jail. During the self-defence hearing, he claimed innocence.

However, he declined to make any statement in his defence. The remaining accused, who are absconding, are not receiving the opportunity to present their statements.

ACC prosecutor Mohammad Tariqul Islam confirmed the development. Earlier, on 18 November, the court completed recording testimonies in the case. A total of 32 witnesses have testified.

On 31 July, the court framed charges and ordered the start of the trial. As the accused were absconding at the time of charge framing, arrest warrants were issued against them.

In three separate cases, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina and 17 others; Azmina Siddiq Ruponti, Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, Sheikh Hasina and 18 others; and Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, Sheikh Hasina, and 18 others have been made accused.

In January, the ACC filed six separate cases over alleged corruption in Rajuk's plot allocation. The accused include Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed (Putul), sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana's daughter and British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, son Radwan Mujib Siddiq, daughter Azmina Siddiq, and several others.