Trial of Hasina-Joy-Putul begins, arrest warrants issued

The court has formally initiated the trial against Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and others over allegations of corruption in plot allocation by the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK). Due to the accused being absent during the charge framing hearing, arrest warrants have been issued against them.

On Thursday, 31 July, Judge Md. Abdullah Al Mamun of the 5th Special Judge Court in Dhaka framed the charges. The next hearing, for recording evidence, is scheduled for 11 August.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam confirmed the development.

According to court sources, three separate cases name 12 accused including Sheikh Hasina, 17 including Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and 18 including Saima Wazed Putul.

Earlier, on 20 July, the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court ordered six cases to be sent for trial across two special judge courts.

Other accused include Sheikh Rehana’s daughter Tulip Rizwana Siddique, her son Radwan Mujib Siddique, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddique, several officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, former RAJUK chairman Anisur Rahman Mia, and others.

The ACC filed six cases in January regarding corruption in RAJUK’s plot allocations. Charge sheets have now been submitted in all cases.