6 witnesses testify against Hasina in plot corruption case

Six witnesses have testified in court in connection with three separate corruption cases filed against Sheikh Hasina and 23 others. The cases involve allegations of abuse of power in the allocation of government plots under the Purbachal New Town Project, managed by the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK).

The testimonies were recorded on Tuesday before Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court-5. However, no cross-examinations took place, as no defense lawyers were present on behalf of the accused.

The witnesses include; Gautam Kumar Sikder, Senior Principal Officer, Sonali Bank (Ganabhaban Branch), Md. Shariful Islam, Principal Officer, Sonali Bank, Mohammad Lutfur Rahman, Chief Assistant, Tax Circle, Md. Rezaul Haque, Computer Operator, Tax Circle, Md. Abu Taher, Notice Server, Tax Circle and Delwar Hossain, Office Assistant.

Following the testimony, the court scheduled the next hearing for September 17.

According to court documents, one of the three cases lists Sheikh Hasina and 11 others as accused. A second case includes Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina, and 15 others. The third case names Saima Wazed Putul, Sheikh Hasina, and 16 others.

The charges stem from allegations that government plots were unlawfully allocated through abuse of political influence during Sheikh Hasina’s previous term in office.