Verdict today in Hasina, Rehana, Tulip plot allocation case

The verdict in an ACC case filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, niece and UK MP Tulip Siddiq, along with 17 others, over allegations of abusing power to obtain government plots in the Purbachal New Town Project, will be delivered today.

Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 will announce the verdict on Monday, December 1.

On November 25, Judge Robiul Alam fixed December 1 for delivering the verdict after hearing closing arguments from both the prosecution and defence.

According to the case documents, ACC deputy director Salahuddin filed the case on January 13, accusing Sheikh Rehana of abusing power and committing irregularities to obtain a 10-katha plot in the Purbachal New Town Project. Tulip Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina and 15 others were also named in the case. Following the investigation, ACC assistant director Afnan Jannat Keya submitted a charge sheet on March 10 against 17 accused, including two newly added suspects.

Other accused include administrative officer Md Saiful Islam Sarkar of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, senior assistant secretary Purabi Goldar, additional secretary Oliullah, secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin, the former PA to the RAJUK chairman Md Anisur Rahman Miah, former member Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Tanmoy Das, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Major (Eng.) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (Retd), former director Md Nurul Islam, assistant director Mazharul Islam, deputy director Nayeb Ali Sharif, former prime minister’s principal secretary-1 Mohammad Salah Uddin, and former state minister for housing and public works Sharif Ahmed.

On July 31, Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 framed charges and ordered the trial to begin in three related cases. In this case, 32 witnesses have testified.