In a landmark judgment with far-reaching political implications, a special court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 10 years in prison in two separate corruption cases linked to alleged irregularities in the allocation of government land under the Purbachal New Town housing project near Dhaka. The verdict marks one of the most significant legal setbacks for the long-serving leader, whose political career has dominated Bangladesh’s governance landscape for decades.

The sentences were pronounced on Sunday by Dhaka Special Judge Court-4, presided over by Judge Robiul Alam, who found Hasina guilty of abusing her official position to secure residential land for herself and her family members. The court awarded five years’ imprisonment in each case, to be served consecutively, taking her total sentence to a decade behind bars.

The cases relate to alleged misuse of authority in connection with the allotment of government plots in the prestigious Purbachal New Town project, a large-scale urban development initiative intended to provide residential plots to eligible citizens through transparent procedures. According to the prosecution, the former prime minister and other accused manipulated the allocation process to obtain plots in violation of established norms.

The convictions come at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing a period of profound political transition, following Sheikh Hasina’s dramatic ouster from power in mid-2024 and the installation of an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Details of the Court Verdict

The Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 delivered verdicts in two separate cases, both filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh. In the first case, the court examined allegations related to the irregular allotment of a 20-katha plot in the Purbachal project. The second case concerned a separate allocation of a 10-katha plot, also allegedly secured through abuse of political influence.

In both cases, the court concluded that Sheikh Hasina had exercised undue influence over officials involved in the land allocation process, thereby violating anti-corruption laws and breaching the trust vested in her as the head of government. The judge observed that public office must not be used for personal gain and emphasised that accountability applies equally to individuals at the highest levels of power.

The sentences handed down to Hasina are to run consecutively, underscoring the court’s view of the seriousness of the offences. Legal experts in Dhaka have described the ruling as a precedent-setting moment for Bangladesh’s judicial system, particularly in its handling of corruption allegations against former top political leaders.

Family Members and UK MP Tulip Siddiq Also Convicted

The court’s rulings extended beyond Sheikh Hasina, encompassing several members of her family and close associates. Among the most high-profile convictions was that of Tulip Siddiq, a British Member of Parliament and Sheikh Hasina’s niece. Tulip Siddiq, the daughter of Sheikh Rehana, was sentenced to four years in prison, receiving two years’ imprisonment in each of the two cases.

The conviction of a sitting UK MP has drawn international attention, raising questions about the cross-border implications of the verdicts and the legal and diplomatic challenges that may follow. Tulip Siddiq has previously served as a minister in the United Kingdom, and her conviction is likely to spark debate both in Bangladesh and abroad.

Other family members were also handed substantial sentences. Azmina Siddiq was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment in one of the cases, while Sheikh Hasina’s son, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, popularly known as Bobby, received a seven-year jail term. The court found that these individuals were beneficiaries of the alleged irregular land allocations and were complicit in the misuse of authority.

According to the prosecution, the involvement of multiple family members pointed to a broader pattern of influence and privilege that undermined the integrity of the land distribution system.

Origin of the Purbachal Land Allocation Cases

The cases stem from allegations surrounding the Purbachal New Town project, a government housing initiative designed to decongest Dhaka and provide planned residential development. The project involves the allocation of plots to individuals under specific eligibility criteria, with the stated aim of ensuring fairness and transparency.

The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the two cases on January 13, 2025, initially naming 16 accused in each matter. The allegations centred on claims that senior political figures, including Sheikh Hasina, had used their positions to bypass rules and secure plots reserved for other categories of applicants.

Following detailed investigations, the ACC submitted charge sheets on March 10, 2025, expanding the list of accused to 18 individuals in both cases. The charge sheets outlined the alleged roles of each accused, including the manipulation of official records, exertion of pressure on officials, and concealment of relevant information.

Lengthy Trial and Witness Testimony

The trial process was extensive, spanning several months and involving the examination of a significant number of witnesses. The court recorded testimony from 31 witnesses, including officials associated with the land allocation process, investigators, and individuals with knowledge of the alleged transactions.

The investigation officer and ACC Assistant Director, Afnan Jannat Keya, appeared as the final prosecution witness. Her testimony focused on the findings of the investigation, the documentary evidence collected, and the conclusions drawn regarding the involvement of the accused. She was subsequently cross-examined by defence lawyers, who challenged the credibility of the evidence and the motivations behind the prosecutions.

In one of the cases, the court formally framed charges on July 31, 2025, marking the commencement of trial proceedings. After the completion of arguments and the recording of evidence, dates for the pronouncement of judgments were fixed earlier this year, culminating in Sunday’s verdicts.

Political Backdrop: Hasina’s Ouster and Exile

The convictions of Sheikh Hasina cannot be viewed in isolation from the dramatic political events that unfolded in Bangladesh in 2024. In July 2024, a student-led uprising erupted across the country, fuelled by widespread dissatisfaction over governance, economic conditions, and allegations of authoritarianism.

The protests quickly escalated into nationwide unrest, prompting a severe political crisis. On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh amid mounting pressure and sought refuge in India, effectively ending her long tenure as prime minister.

Following her departure, an interim government was established under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The interim administration pledged to restore democratic norms, ensure accountability, and address allegations of corruption and abuse of power associated with the previous government.

Legal Actions Under Interim Government

One of the key priorities of the interim government was the initiation of legal proceedings against Sheikh Hasina, former cabinet ministers, and leaders and activists associated with the Awami League, the party she led. Multiple cases were filed, covering allegations ranging from corruption and financial irregularities to abuse of authority.

Supporters of the interim government have argued that these actions are necessary to restore public trust and uphold the rule of law. They contend that the prosecutions demonstrate a commitment to accountability, regardless of political stature.

However, critics, including Hasina’s supporters, have alleged that the cases are politically motivated and designed to sideline the Awami League ahead of future elections. They argue that the timing and scale of the prosecutions reflect an attempt to dismantle Hasina’s political legacy.

Reactions and Implications

The sentencing of Sheikh Hasina has elicited strong reactions across Bangladesh’s political spectrum. Supporters of the interim government have welcomed the verdict as a historic step towards justice and accountability, while Awami League leaders have condemned it as an act of political vendetta.

International reactions are also expected, particularly given the conviction of UK MP Tulip Siddiq. Legal experts have noted that extradition and enforcement of sentences involving individuals outside Bangladesh could present complex challenges.

The verdicts are likely to have a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s political future. Sheikh Hasina, once the country’s most powerful political figure, now faces the prospect of prolonged imprisonment, effectively sidelining her from active politics. The rulings also raise questions about the future of the Awami League and its leadership structure in a post-Hasina era.

What Lies Ahead

While the convictions mark a decisive moment, legal proceedings may not be over. The defence is expected to explore appellate options, and higher courts may be approached to challenge the verdicts. Until then, the sentences stand as a powerful statement on the changing political and legal landscape of Bangladesh.

As the country navigates its transition under interim rule, the Sheikh Hasina corruption cases will remain a focal point of public debate, symbolising both the promise and the perils of accountability in a deeply polarised political environment.

The developments underscore a broader shift in Bangladesh’s governance narrative, where long-entrenched political power structures are being tested by judicial scrutiny. Whether this marks the beginning of a sustained culture of accountability or deepens political divisions remains to be seen, but the sentencing of Sheikh Hasina will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining chapter in the nation’s recent history.

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