Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Corruption

UPDATE: Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for corruption, as confirmed by a Dhaka court earlier today. The verdict marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political turmoil following her ouster last year.

The Dhaka Special Court found Hasina guilty in three separate cases involving the illegal allocation of land in the Purbachal New Town project, where she was deemed ineligible to secure plots for herself and her family. Each of the three sentences is set for seven years, to be served consecutively, bringing her total to 21 years.

Hasina, who is currently in exile in India, was also sentenced to death earlier this month for crimes against humanity related to a crackdown on protests that ended her 15-year rule. She did not appoint a defense lawyer during the trials, which were conducted in absentia, raising questions about their credibility.

In a related verdict, her children, Sajeeb Wazed and Saima Wazed, each received five years in prison for their involvement in one of the cases. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed these cases against Hasina and her family following her ousting, and additional verdicts are anticipated, including another significant ruling scheduled for December 1, 2023.

The trials have been heavily criticized by global human rights organizations, which argue that the political nature of the proceedings undermines their fairness. The current interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, is navigating a challenging political landscape. With new elections slated for February, the implications of Hasina’s convictions could have far-reaching effects on Bangladesh’s political future.

As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how this will impact the country’s stability and governance. The ongoing trials and the political transition underline a critical moment for Bangladesh, with potential repercussions for the upcoming elections.