Purbachal plot scam: Verdict against Hasina, Joy, Putul, 44 others in three cases on 27 November
The prosecution and defence concluded their arguments today.
A Dhaka court has fixed 27 November for delivering verdicts in three separate corruption cases filed over alleged irregularities in Rajuk's plot allocation against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 44 others.
Judge Md Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-5 fixed the date today (23 November) after the prosecution and defence concluded their arguments.
Confirming the development, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Prosecutor Khan Md Mainul Hasan said, "We have sought the highest punishment for the accused, which is life imprisonment in these cases."
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Purbachal plot scam: Testimony against Hasina concluded, defense hearing set for 17 November
During the hearing, the only accused arrested in the cases, Rajuk member Md Khurshid Alam, was represented by Advocate Md Shahinur Islam, who argued that his client was innocent.
The other accused, as they are absconding, did not have the opportunity to present arguments.
Earlier, on 17 November, the court completed recording testimonies in the three cases. A total of 91 witnesses testified in the cases.
Earlier, on 31 July, the court framed charges and ordered the trial to begin. Arrest warrants were issued for the accused who were absent during the charge hearing.
In the three separate cases, Hasina and former senior assistant secretary Purabi Goldar are among 12 accused in one case; Hasina and Joy among 17 in another; and Hasina and her Putul among 18 in the third.
Other accused include former housing and public works secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker; Additional Secretary (Administration) Kazi Wasi Uddin; Administrative Officer Saiful Islam Sarkar; Senior Assistant Secretary Purbi Goldar; former Rajuk chairman Anisur Rahman Miah; and several current and former Rajuk members and officials.
Former state minister Sharif Ahmed and the former prime minister's former personal secretary Salauddin have also been named.
In January this year, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed six separate cases, accusing the individuals of abuse of power and irregularities in the allocation of government plots under the Purbachal New Town Project.
