On February 2, 2026, a Dhaka court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison in two corruption cases related to land allocation irregularities. The verdict has drawn widespread attention as Hasina, once the country’s most powerful leader, has been living in exile in India since August 2025. The ruling also convicted her close relatives, making it one of the most significant corruption judgments in Bangladesh’s recent history.
What the Court Decided
- The verdict was delivered by Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-4, presided over by Judge Rabiul Alam.
- The court sentenced Sheikh Hasina to five years in each of two cases, totalling ten years in jail.
- The court also imposed fines of Tk 1 lakh (Bangladeshi Taka) on each convicted person, with an additional six months’ imprisonment in case of default, reinforcing the seriousness of the ruling.
Who Else Was Convicted in the Case
- Apart from Sheikh Hasina, several of her family members were also convicted.
- Her nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq and niece Azmina Siddiq were sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment each in the two cases.
- Another niece, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, received four years’ imprisonment, two years per case.
- Rajuk official Mohammad Khurshid Alam, the only accused who surrendered before the court, was sentenced to a total of two years. The verdict highlights the court’s broad approach in fixing responsibility.
What Are the Corruption Charges About
- The cases relate to alleged irregularities in the allocation of plots under the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachal.
- According to the prosecution, the accused misused their influence to secure two 10-katha plots by violating rules of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk).
- The cases were filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission, which accused the former Prime Minister and others of abusing official power for personal benefit.
Political Context and Current Status of Hasina
- Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2025, after fleeing Bangladesh amid massive protests against her government.
- She was earlier declared a fugitive by the court for failing to appear during trial proceedings.
- The conviction comes at a sensitive time in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as the country prepares for elections and faces intense debates over governance, accountability and rule of law.
Question
Q. The corruption cases against Sheikh Hasina were filed by which body?
A. Supreme Court of Bangladesh
B. Election Commission
C. Ministry of Home Affairs
D. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
