In a dramatic new chapter for Bangladesh’s turbulent political landscape, a court has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years in prison on corruption charges. This marks the second major conviction in as many weeks for the 78-year-old leader, who was controversially handed a death penalty last week in a separate case.
The latest ruling intensifies the legal and political storm surrounding the ousted leader, who has been in exile since fleeing the country last year.
The Core of the Corruption Charges
The conviction stems from three distinct cases filed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission. The central allegation is that Hasina illegally acquired prime government land in an upscale suburb of the capital, Dhaka.
In a scathing verdict, Presiding Judge Abdullah Al Mamun stated that Hasina’s actions revealed a “deep-seated culture of corruption.” He accused her of a profound “sense of entitlement, abuse of authority, and an appetite for public property,” alleging she treated state assets as personal holdings to benefit herself and her immediate family.
A Family Affair: Convictions Extend to Children
In a significant development, the court’s ruling did not stop with the former Prime Minister. The case also ensnared her children, both of whom live abroad:
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Sajeeb Wazed: Her son, who lives in the United States.
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Saima Wazed: Her daughter, who holds a senior official position at the United Nations.
Each was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison for their alleged involvement in the corruption scheme.
A Leader in Exile, Ignoring Court Summons
A critical element of this story is Sheikh Hasina’s absence. The 78-year-old has remained in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. Her departure came after weeks of sustained, massive student protests demanding an end to her rule, which critics labeled increasingly authoritarian.
Since leaving, she has repeatedly ignored directives from Bangladeshi courts to return and face trial. This means both the recent death penalty and this 21-year prison sentence were delivered in absentia.
The Prosecution’s Next Move: An Appeal for Harsher Punishment
Interestingly, the verdict has not satisfied the state. Public Prosecutor Khan Moinul Hasan expressed clear dissatisfaction, stating that the prosecution had sought the maximum penalty.
“We are not satisfied with the sentencing,” Hasan said. “We will confer with the Anti-Corruption Commission to determine our next steps.”
This indicates that the legal battle is far from over, and the state will appeal the verdict to push for a more severe sentence.
The Bigger Picture: Unpacking the Political Context
To understand the gravity of these events, it’s essential to view them within a broader timeline:
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November 17, 2024: Hasina was sentenced to death for allegedly ordering a violent clampdown on a student-led uprising that ultimately toppled her government.
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August 5, 2024: Hasina fled the country following widespread protests.
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The Charges: A mix of crimes against humanity and, now, high-level corruption.
These successive verdicts paint a picture of a rapid and severe legal reckoning for a former head of state, highlighting the intense political shifts occurring in Bangladesh. The situation continues to evolve, and the world watches closely to see what happens next.
