Purbachal plot scam: ACC dissatisfied with Hasina verdict
In the three separate corruption cases filed over irregularities in plot allocations under Rajuk’s Purbachal New Town Project, Hasina was sentenced to seven years in each case, totalling 21 years.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has expressed dissatisfaction over the 21-year sentence handed to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in three corruption cases related to plot allocation.
Reacting to the verdict, ACC lawyer Md Moinul Hasan said, "We had expected the maximum punishment for Hasina and the others, but we did not get that. After discussions with the commission, we will decide whether to appeal."
Meanwhile, Khurshid Alam — the only person currently behind bars among those sentenced — received a total of three years' imprisonment (one year in each of the three cases). Speaking to journalists from the dock, he said, "I did not get justice."
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In the three separate corruption cases filed over irregularities in plot allocations under Rajuk's Purbachal New Town Project, Hasina was sentenced to seven years in each case, totalling 21 years.
She was also fined Tk3 lakh, and in default must serve an additional 18 months of simple imprisonment.
Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Tk1 lakh. Her daughter Saima Wazed Putul was also sentenced to five years in prison and fined Tk1 lakh, with six months' simple imprisonment in default.
The verdict was delivered today (27 November) at noon by Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-5.
A total of 21 individuals — including Hasina, Joy and Putul — received prison terms of varying lengths in the three cases.
Housing and Public Works Ministry official Saiful Islam Sarkar was cleared of all charges after the court found the evidence insufficient.
ACC prosecutors expressed dissatisfaction after the verdict.
State counsel Md Moinul Hasan said, "We had expected the maximum punishment for everyone who received jail terms, including Hasina, but that did not happen. We will decide on an appeal after consulting the ACC."
Another state counsel, Sultan Mahmud, said, "The court stated that the charges under Penal Code sections 161, 163, 164, 409, 420 and 109 were not proven against Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul. They were sentenced only under section 5(2) of the ACC Act."
"As for Hasina, the charges under sections 161, 409 and 109 were not proven either. Only Penal Code section 420 and ACC Act section 5(2) were proven. We are dissatisfied with this verdict," he added.
Meanwhile, Khurshid Alam — the only person currently in custody among those who received sentences — said, "I am innocent in this case. I did not receive justice. I will decide on filing an appeal after consulting my lawyer."
