Security tightened around Dhaka Court ahead of verdict against Hasina, family

Security has been significantly heightened around Dhaka court premises ahead of the verdict in the Plot Corruption Case involving ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 17 others.

From Thursday morning (November 27), additional police and BGB personnel have been deployed across the court area, with checkpoints, armored vehicles, and prison vans in place. Visitors are being thoroughly checked if deemed suspicious.

Mallik Ahsan Sami, deputy commissioner of Lalbagh Division, stated that full preparations have been made to prevent any untoward incidents, with law enforcement presence increased throughout the court premises.

The case relates to the alleged corruption in the allocation of three plots in Dhaka’s Purbachal New Town Project.

Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of the Fifth Special Judge Court will give the verdict today.

Among the 21 accused, only former RAJUK member Mohammad Khurshid Alam is in custody and will appear in court from jail.

Besides the Sheikh family members, the accused include former State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sharif Ahmed, former private secretary to Sheikh Hasina, Mohammad Salah Uddin, former ministry secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker, Kazi Washi Uddin, and several former and current RAJUK officials.

This verdict marks the first judicial decision on alleged irregularities and corruption that took place during the previous Awami League government following the change of power on August 5, 2023.