Arguments in plot scam case against Hasina, Tulip on Nov 25

A court has set November 25 for placing arguments in a case against 17 people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana and niece Tulip Siddique, over alleged irregularities in the allocation of a 10-katha plot in the RAJUK New Town Project.

Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 passed the order on Sunday after hearing submissions from counsel for one of the accused, Khurshid Alam, who pleaded not guilty. The remaining 16 accused are absconding and are being tried in absentia.

Earlier, on November 18, the court concluded the testimony phase of the trial as investigation officer (IO) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) assistant director Afnan Jannat Keya wrapped up her deposition. A total of 32 prosecution witnesses testified in the case.

According to the case statement, ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin filed the case on January 13, 2025, against 15 people, including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana and Tulip Siddique. The IO later submitted a charge sheet against 17 accused on March 10.

Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 framed charges in three such cases on July 31, while Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 on the same day framed charges in three other identical cases.