Bangladesh's Ex-PM and Family Members Jailed in Landmark Ruling

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-12-02 08:49:22 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 08:21:30

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In a dramatic turn of events, a Bangladeshi court has sentenced Sheikh Hasina, the country's former Prime Minister, to 10 years in prison for her role in a massive land scam. The verdict also saw Hasina's sister, Sheikh Rehana, and niece, Tulip Siddiq, a sitting UK Member of Parliament, receive 7 and 5 years respectively for their involvement. This high-profile case has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, especially as it comes on the heels of a recent regime change.

The case revolves around the illegal acquisition of 13.5 acres of land in the capital city of Dhaka, worth an estimated $10 million. The court found that Hasina, along with her family members, had conspired to obtain the land using forged documents and false identities. The land, originally owned by the state-run Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, was allegedly transferred to a private company linked to the Hasina family.

The trial, which began in 2018, has been a lengthy and contentious process. The defense team argued that the charges were politically motivated, a claim rejected by the court. The verdict was delivered in a packed courtroom, with the judge stating that the evidence presented was "overwhelming" and that the accused had "abused their positions of power for personal gain."

This ruling is a significant development in Bangladesh's ongoing battle against corruption. It sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, not even those at the highest levels of government. The case also highlights the complex interplay between politics and the judiciary in Bangladesh, as the trial and verdict could have far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape. With the recent change in government, many are watching to see how the new administration handles this sensitive issue and whether it will lead to further investigations into corruption at the highest levels.

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