Purbachal Plot Graft: Rehana Gets 7 Years, Tulip 2 Years in Jail

A Dhaka court sentenced Sheikh Hasina's sister Sheikh Rehana to seven years in prison and her niece Tulip Siddiq to two years in a graft case over irregularities in plot allotments in the Purbachal New Town project.

Justice Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 pronounced the verdict on Monday (1 December).

The court awarded:

• Sheikh Rehana: Seven years' rigorous imprisonment and Tk 100,000 fine
• Tulip Siddiq: Two years' rigorous imprisonment and Tk 100,000 fine
• Sheikh Hasina and other accused: Five years' imprisonment and Tk 100,000 fine each

Of the 17 accused, only Khurshid Alam surrendered and is in custody. Arrest warrants have been issued for the rest, including Hasina.

TDC Report

The case, filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), accuses Rehana of using undue influence to secure a 10-katha plot despite ineligibility. Hasina and 15 others, including family and officials, were later added.

Other accused: Md Saiful Islam Sarkar (Housing Ministry administrative officer), Purbi Goldar (senior assistant secretary), Oliullah (additional secretary), Kazi Wasi Uddin (secretary), Md Anishur Rahman Mina (PA to former RAJUK chairman), Mohammad Khurshid Alam (former RAJUK member), Tanmoy Das, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Major (Engr) Samsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (retd), Md Nurul Islam (former director), Majharul Islam (assistant director), Nayeb Ali Sharif (deputy director), former PM's private secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, and former Housing State Minister Sharif Ahmed.

Charges were framed on 31 July, and 32 witnesses testified. ACC Public Prosecutor Mainul Hasan said: "We proved the allegations against the accused with all evidence."

During the hearing, the judge noted that Tulip, despite no direct plot, exerted "special influence" over her aunt Hasina to secure family allotments.

This is the fourth case in a series of six plot graft allegations filed in January. Three verdicts have been delivered, with the fourth announced today. Hasina received 21 years across three cases on 27 November, while Joy and Saima Wazed were sentenced to five years in one.

Rehana and Tulip now face additional time. Rehana is the main accused as plot allottee, followed by Tulip and Hasina.

The case alleges that while in power, Hasina and family abused authority to fraudulently obtain six plots in Purbachal's diplomatic zone (Sector 27, Road No. 203) by falsely claiming poverty, despite ineligibility.