The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) expects verdicts in six “plot corruption” cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and members of her family to be delivered between October and November this year.
ACC Chairman Abdul Momen shared the projection on Wednesday after signing a five-year memorandum of understanding with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on anti-corruption cooperation.
“Six cases are currently underway against the former prime minister and her family members,” Momen told reporters. “Once the testimonies conclude, the court may deliver its verdict toward the end of October or in early November—depending on what it deems appropriate.”
Regarding the case against Tulip Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina’s niece, which remains suspended under a High Court stay order, Momen said steps are being taken to vacate the order so the proceedings can resume. “There’s no reason to worry,” he added. “We also want the case disposed of quickly.”
On July 31, two Dhaka special judge courts framed charges against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and 21 others—including their children—over allegations of corruption tied to six plots in the Purbachal New Town Project.
Testimonies began on August 11 in three of the cases against Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul at the court of Dhaka’s Fifth Special Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun. On August 13, another special court, headed by Judge Robiul Alam, started hearing three other cases against Sheikh Rehana, her son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, her daughters Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmyna Siddiq.
Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since being ousted by a mass uprising on August 5, 2024. Other members of her family also remain abroad. As a result, their lawyers have not been able to cross-examine prosecution witnesses in court.
