Purbachal plot scam: Prosecutors rubbish Sky News claim that Tulip's lawyer was denied case info

British media outlet Sky News, in a report published yesterday (31 July), claimed that Tulip Siddiq's lawyer requested information regarding the cases she was indicted in connection with irregularities in acquiring plots from Rajuk, but the request was denied. 

The report, referring to a "close source" to Tulip, also stated that her lawyer appeared in court every day last week to seek case information.

However, contacted by The Business Standard, more than one public prosecutor of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) rejected the claim of the Sky News report, terming it as baseless, fabricated, misleading and untrue.

ACC Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam said incorrect information was published on Sky News on Tulip Siddiq's behalf. "Following the filing of the cases, no lawyer has appeared in court to request case details. As of 31 July, not even a single lawyer has contacted the ACC, nor have they formally requested any information regarding the case."

Another ACC Prosecutor, Mohammad Sultan Mahmud, explained that in the case of absconding defendants, there is no provision for appointing a lawyer on their behalf. "If someone in hiding wishes to be represented by legal counsel, they must first appear in court and surrender. Otherwise, the trial will proceed without a defence lawyer."

He said since the cases were filed [against Tulip and others], not a single defence lawyer has appeared on behalf of any accused. "Claims that someone was denied access to case information are baseless and nothing more than rumors."

In addition, Bench Assistant of Dhaka Special Judge's Court-4 Billah Hossain and that of Dhaka Special Judge's Court-5 Ariful Islam told TBS that as of 31 July, no petitions had been filed in the court on behalf of the defendants. The hearing of the cases ended in the absence of any attempts from the defendants.

On 31 July, two Dhaka courts indicted 29 accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana's daughters Tulip Rezwana Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq Ruponti in six cases over alleged irregularities in acquiring plots from Rajuk in Purbachal New Town Project.

Dhaka Special Judge's Court-4 and 5 passed the orders after hearings on charge-framing in three cases at each court.

The courts also issued arrest warrants against the accused as they are currently absconding.

The ACC filed the cases in January this year.

During the indictment hearing on 31 July, the courts fixed 11 and 14 August to start depositions in the cases.