Bangladesh Court Sentences Sheikh Hasina To 21 Years In Corruption Cases

A special court in Dhaka has sentenced former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 21 years in prison after convicting her in three corruption cases linked to irregularities in land allocation under a major government housing scheme. The verdict marks a significant escalation in the country’s political and legal turmoil following her ouster last year.

Details Of The Court Verdict

The Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 sentenced the 78-year-old former premier to seven years in each of the three cases related to the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachal. The sentences will run consecutively, raising her total jail term to 21 years. The court also imposed fines of Taka one lakh in each case, with additional imprisonment in the event of non-payment. The judgment noted that land was allotted to her without proper procedure and beyond authorised jurisdiction.

Convictions Of Family Members And Co-Accused

Hasina’s son Sajib Wajed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were also convicted, receiving prison terms of five years each alongside monetary fines. Among the 20 additional accused, most received varying sentences, while one junior official was acquitted. Only one defendant appeared in person and was handed a three-year term. The cases stemmed from chargesheets filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission earlier this year, supported by testimony from 29 witnesses.

Political Context And Extradition Developments

The verdict comes just days after Hasina was sentenced to death in a separate case involving last year’s violent crackdown on student-led protests. She has called the charges politically motivated and has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested her extradition, which New Delhi has said it is evaluating. The convictions have further isolated the Awami League, whose leaders have mostly been arrested or forced into exile.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to seven years each in three corruption cases, totalling 21 years.
• The cases relate to irregular land allocations in the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachal.
• Hasina’s son and daughter received five-year prison terms in the same cases.
• Bangladesh has requested Hasina’s extradition from India following her conviction.

Wider Implications For Bangladesh’s Politics

The ruling adds to the deepening political instability in Bangladesh, where the collapse of Hasina’s government has been followed by sweeping judicial actions against senior Awami League figures. With multiple high-profile convictions and ongoing extradition efforts, the situation signals a protracted period of uncertainty as the interim authorities reshape the country’s political landscape.