Bangladesh court sentences ex-PM Hasina, UK lawmaker niece in graft case

Ex-PM Sentenced in Bangladesh Graft Case

A Bangladesh court has delivered a verdict in a high-profile corruption case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her niece, UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq.

On Monday, the Special Judge’s Court-4 in Dhaka sentenced Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison for misusing power in a government land acquisition project. Her niece, Tulip Siddiq, was also found guilty and given a four-year sentence.

The verdicts follow multiple previous convictions for the individuals involved. Hasina has been convicted in four other corruption cases, totaling 26 years in prison. Her family members, including siblings Azmina and Radwan Mujib, received sentences ranging from seven to 14 years.

The case has drawn significant international attention, with the Bangladesh military calling for the arrest of Tulip Siddiq and her family for extradition to Bangladesh to serve their sentences. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, is preparing for upcoming elections scheduled for February 12.

The ban on the Awami League party, which was previously led by Sheikh Hasina, has further complicated the political landscape ahead of the elections.