What the verdict and observations said in the Hasina-Rehana case

In a corruption case involving the allocation of RAJUK plots, Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 on Monday sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years of rigorous imprisonment and her sister Sheikh Rehana to seven years. Judge Md Rabiul Alam delivered the verdict.

In its observations, the court said, “Corruption has become a disease in the country. It has engulfed the entire society. Therefore, everyone must stand against corruption.”

The court further observed, “Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina allocated a plot to her sister Sheikh Rehana through corruption. Tulip Rizwana Siddiq encouraged her mother and aunt in this act.” The judge also cited an interpretation of a verse from Surah Al-Ma’idah of the Holy Qur’an, saying, “Allah commands that you must not assist one another in sin and wrongdoing. Despite having housing facilities, Sheikh Rehana obtained a plot through fraud. Society must resist such corruption.”

The court also noted that, as Tulip is a Bangladeshi citizen, the court has jurisdiction over her regardless of where she lives.

A total of 17 accused were found guilty in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s case related to the allocation of plots in RAJUK’s Purbachal New Town Project. Sheikh Rehana received seven years, Sheikh Hasina five years and Tulip two years of rigorous imprisonment. The remaining 15 accused were each sentenced to five years.

All convicts were fined Tk 100,000 each, and in default, they will face six months of simple imprisonment.