In a major legal and political development, a court in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and her niece Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, along with 50 others, in connection with a high-profile land acquisition scandal. The decision, handed down on Sunday, has sparked intense political debate and is expected to deepen the already volatile political landscape in the country.
Court Orders Arrests in Sensitive Land Scam Case
The arrest warrants were issued by Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib of the Dhaka Metropolitan Court, who took cognizance of three separate charge sheets filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The case pertains to the alleged illegal acquisition of plots in Dhaka’s Purbachal New Town Project through abuse of political power.
The accused, including prominent political figures and their family members, were absent during court proceedings, leading to the issuance of the warrants. The court has scheduled April 27 for a review of the execution reports on the arrest orders.
Corruption in Plot Allocation Under Scrutiny
According to reports from local media, including the Dhaka Tribune, the ACC filed three separate cases against a total of 53 individuals for their alleged involvement in corruption related to land allotments in the capital. The charges suggest misuse of power to obtain residential plots, raising serious questions about administrative transparency during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
This is not the first time such charges have been levied. On April 10, a similar warrant was issued in another corruption case related to the RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha) plot allocations, involving Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 16 others.
Timeline of the Investigation
- On January 13, 2024, the ACC’s Deputy Director Salahuddin filed a case against Sheikh Rehana, accusing her of misusing her authority to acquire a 10-katha plot in Purbachal.
- The charge sheet included 15 names, including Sheikh Hasina and her niece Tulip Siddiq.
- On March 10, 2025, ACC Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya submitted a final charge sheet naming 17 individuals, after adding two more suspects during investigation.
- In a separate but related case, Keya also charged Ajmina Siddiq for irregularities in plot allotment. The original list included 16 names, but the final count rose to 18.
Sheikh Hasina’s Exile in India
The case gains further gravity as Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 2024, following the collapse of her government amidst mass protests and civil unrest. After fleeing to India on August 5, 2024, she has remained in the country as a political exile. The current interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has formally requested India’s cooperation in extraditing the former Prime Minister.
The issuance of these warrants is likely to escalate diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries while providing political ammunition to Hasina’s critics.
Opposition Reacts Strongly
Opposition leaders and political analysts are interpreting the court’s action as a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle against elite corruption. The charges not only stain the reputation of one of South Asia’s most prominent political families but also put the spotlight on the functioning of institutions during Hasina’s leadership.
The April 27 hearing will be critical in determining the future course of this case. If the arrest warrants remain unexecuted, the court may take further legal measures. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi public, opposition parties, and international observers will be watching closely as the political and legal drama unfolds.
