Court orders transfer of cases against Hasina, family over Rajuk plot corruption

A Dhaka court has ordered the transfer of six corruption cases, involving former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her close family members, among others, to separate courts for trial.

The cases, filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in January, relate to allegations of irregularities in the allocation of plots by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk).

Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order today (20 July) following a hearing.

ACC prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam confirmed the development and said the trials would proceed in the absence of the accused.

The names of the trial courts and the dates have yet to be determined.

According to court sources, a total of 25 individuals have been named as accused in the six cases.

Among them are Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana's children Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, a British MP, Azmina Siddique Ruponti, and Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby.

Other accused include former state minister Sharif Ahmed; former principal private secretary to the prime minister Salauddin; former senior secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Shahid Ullah Khandaker; former additional secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin; former administrative officer Saiful Islam Sarkar; and former senior assistant secretary Purabi Goldar.

Several former Rajuk officials have also been named in the cases, including former chairperson Anisur Rahman Mia; members Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Kabir Al Asad, Tanmoy Das, Nurul Islam, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, and Shamsuddin Ahmad Chowdhury; director Sheikh Shahinul Islam; and former deputy directors Hafizur Rahman and Habibur Rahman.

The ACC filed the six cases in January, accusing the individuals of corruption in the allocation of residential plots. Charges have since been formally submitted in court. Arrest warrants have been issued against all the accused, who remain absconding.