A court in Dhaka on Thursday sentenced former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 21 years in prison in three corruption cases related to alleged irregularities in the allocation of plots under the Rajuk New Town Project . Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were also sentenced to five years in one of the cases.

Three cases, consecutive sentences

Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 delivered the verdict, issuing seven-year sentences in each of the three cases against Hasina — to be served consecutively, amounting to 21 years in total.

In the same verdict:

  • Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul got five years’ imprisonment each for their role in one of the cases.
  • Among the 20 other accused in the cases, 19 received varying prison terms, while one was acquitted.

Allegations: Illegal plot allotment under Purbachal scheme

The corruption cases were filed by the Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC), which accused Hasina and other officials of abusing power to secure multiple 10-katha (or 30-katha, per some cases) plots in the Purbachal New Town housing project despite ineligibility under rules.

In its judgment, the court noted that the properties were illegally allotted without any formal application and without following required procedures. The judge described the conduct as motivated by “greed for wealth”.

Trial in absentia; Hasina remains outside Bangladesh

Hasina was tried in absentia since she remains outside Bangladesh. The court proceeding did not have her physical presence.

Authorities have issued warrants for her arrest. The verdict was announced in a highly guarded environment with tight security around the court premises.

Wider context: Earlier tribunal verdict and political crisis

This sentencing adds to a raft of legal judgments against Hasina. On 17 November 2025, a separate tribunal — the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT) — convicted her of crimes against humanity for alleged role in the crackdown on protests last year, and issued a death sentence in that case.

That ruling already triggered strong international reactions and concerns over fairness and human rights.

Response from supporters and human rights observers

Supporters of Hasina and her political party — the Awami League — have denounced Thursday’s verdict as yet another politically motivated action by the interim administration. Hasina herself earlier labelled the ICT judgment “rigged” and accused the government of undermining democratic rights.

International human rights organisations have raised alarms over the string of trials and convictions, emphasising the need for fair trial standards and due process.

Potential diplomatic fallout and extradition request

Following the string of convictions, Bangladesh’s interim government has reportedly renewed calls for Hasina’s extradition from India, where she is believed to have taken refuge. Dhaka’s request has revived tensions between the two neighbours.

Observers say the latest verdict is likely to further polarise political relations and could have major regional implications, especially ahead of the country’s next general elections.

Conclusion

The 21-year sentencing of Sheikh Hasina over the Purbachal plot corruption cases marks one of the most consequential legal decisions in Bangladesh’s modern political history. Alongside death sentences earlier handed down by the ICT, these rulings deepen the country’s ongoing political crisis and raise serious questions about justice, governance, and the rule of law. As Bangladesh braces for possible upheaval, the world watches closely how the situation unfolds.