Nine more prosecution witnesses appeared in three graft cases concerning the allocation of three plots in Purbachal to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s daughters Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq, her son Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and several others.

The depositions were recorded today by Judge Md Rabiul Alam of the Special Judge Court-4 in Dhaka. The court has scheduled October 6 for the recording of additional prosecution witnesses.

Among today’s witnesses, four appeared in a case filed against 17 people, including Sheikh Hasina. They were Mohammad Farhaduzzaman, Executive General Manager of Eastern Housing Ltd; its Operative Director Sheikh Shamsher Ali; Assistant Executive Himel Chandra Das; and Housing Ministry Administrative Officer Akter Jahan. 

These witnesses also gave statements in another plot allocation case involving 18 people, while Akter Jahan additionally gave testimony in a third case filed against 18 accused.

According to ACC Public Prosecutor Mir Ahmmed Ali Salam, the cases were filed on January 13, 2025, by ACC Deputy Director Salah Uddin, ACC Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya, and ACC Assistant Director SM Rashedul Hassan, targeting the allocation of 10-katha plots in the Purbachal New Town Project to Sheikh Hasina and her family members.

Charges were framed on July 31, and arrest warrants were issued as the accused remained absconding.

MN/