Desk Report:
Five more witnesses testified today (November 2) in three corruption cases registered against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana and Rehana’s daughter Tulip Siddiqui, among others. The cases include alleged irregular allotment of three 10-katta plots in RAJUK’s Purvanchal New Town project. The testimony was recorded in Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-4, which was presided over by Judge Rabiul Islam. Each of the five witnesses testified in all three cases. After hearing him, the court fixed November 9 as the next date for further testimony, according to ACC Special Public Prosecutor Tariqul Islam, who confirmed the development to Ajkar magazine. The court began recording witness statements in these cases on August 13, when three complainants – ACC deputy director Salahuddin, assistant director Afnan Jannat Keya and SM Rashedul Hasan – testified. Since then, 20 more witnesses have deposed across five hearing dates.
The accused in these cases include Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana and several of their family members – Tulip Siddiqui, Azmina Siddiqui and Radwan Mujeeb Siddiqui (Bobby) as well as Rajuk officials. In one case, 17 accused including Haseena, Rehana and Tulip Siddiqui have been named. Another lists 18 accused, including Haseena and Azmina Siddiqui. In the third, names of 18 accused including Haseena and Radwan Mujeeb Siddiqui are there. Former RAJUK member Khurshid Alam, who has surrendered in the court, was represented by his lawyer during today’s hearing. The deposition was recorded in his presence, while the proceedings are continuing in the absence of the other accused, who remain absconding.
In total, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has registered six cases related to alleged corruption in the allotment of six 10-katta plots in the Purvanchal project – allegedly in the names of Sheikh Hasina, her children, sister and nieces and nephews. The other three cases, which are currently being heard in Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court-5, involve Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajib Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul. In total, 29 persons, including Sheikh Hasina and her family members, have been charged in these six cases, and arrest warrants have been issued for all of them.
