Sheikh Hasina, Family Indicted in Purbachal Corruption Cases as Bangladesh Faces Political Turmoil
In a dramatic development that could reshape the political narrative of Bangladesh, courts in Dhaka on Thursday framed corruption charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and several others. The cases, filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), relate to alleged irregularities in the ambitious Purbachal New Town project—a mega urban development initiative outside Dhaka.
This marks the latest in a string of legal and political actions taken against Hasina and her party, the Awami League, since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed power following Hasina’s ouster in August 2024. The latest charges have further deepened the nation’s political crisis, drawing accusations of revenge politics and institutional overreach.
Six Cases, Three Courts, One Political Storm
The corruption charges were formally framed by Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 and Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 across six separate cases. These relate specifically to alleged embezzlement and misuse of authority in connection with land allocations and tendering processes under the Purbachal New Town development.
In the first case, 12 individuals including Sheikh Hasina were indicted. The second case lists 17 accused, including Hasina and her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. The third involves 18 individuals, including Hasina and her daughter, Saima Wazed Putul.
"Charges have been framed against the accused in three cases. These cases point toward serious irregularities in the implementation of the Purbachal project,” ACC Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam told leading Bengali daily Jugantor.
Arrest warrants were also issued for the accused, and the courts fixed August 13, 2025, as the date to begin recording testimonies from prosecution witnesses.
The Purbachal Project: A Political and Economic Landmark
Launched in the early 2000s, the Purbachal New Town project was designed to be Bangladesh’s largest planned township, covering 6,227 acres of land and intended to accommodate over 1 million residents. Spearheaded during Hasina's tenure, the project symbolized the government’s vision for an urbanized and economically vibrant future.
However, the project has long faced criticism over land acquisition practices, alleged favoritism in plot allocations, and delays caused by bureaucratic bottlenecks. While audits had been recommended in the past, no legal action was pursued until the political transition in 2024.
Interim Government’s Crackdown Raises Alarm
The Anti-Corruption Commission has been at the center of multiple high-profile cases launched in the past year. Many of these, critics argue, are politically motivated. The Awami League, now in opposition, has claimed that the country is undergoing an “unprecedented legal purge” targeting leaders of the former government.
"The justice system has collapsed. A tsunami of fake cases is sweeping across Bangladesh," read a statement from the Awami League’s media cell. The party alleges that the current administration is orchestrating a political vendetta under the guise of anti-corruption reform.
These concerns are echoed by analysts who have noted the sheer volume and speed with which legal actions have been initiated against Hasina and her allies.
Contempt of Court Charges Add Fuel to Fire
The legal woes of Sheikh Hasina deepened earlier this month when the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to six months in prison on contempt of court charges. The tribunal acted on a viral audio clip that allegedly featured Hasina interfering in judicial proceedings and issuing threats to tribunal members.
Shakil Akanda Bulbul, a leader of the Chhatra League (the student wing of the Awami League), also received a two-month jail sentence in the same case.
The tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, had issued a show-cause notice in June 2025. With Hasina having already fled to India in August 2024, the ruling was passed in absentia.
Political Vendetta or Legal Reform?
Political observers are divided on the implications of these developments. Some view it as long-overdue accountability for decades of unchecked political power. Others argue it is a classic case of "lawfare"—using the judicial system to suppress dissent.
“Whenever regimes change abruptly, the legal system becomes a tool of retribution. What’s happening in Bangladesh fits that pattern,” said Professor Arefin Siddique, a Dhaka-based political analyst.
Hasina’s supporters maintain she is a victim of a power struggle aimed at discrediting her family and dismantling the Awami League's influence. The fact that her children—neither of whom held official government positions—have also been implicated is seen as part of a wider intimidation strategy.
Economic and Diplomatic Repercussions
The political instability has raised concerns among investors and development partners. Bangladesh, once lauded for its economic resilience and social indicators, is now grappling with capital flight, stagnating growth, and diplomatic tensions.
India, which has historically maintained close ties with Hasina's government, has expressed “deep concern” over the developments but has refrained from making direct statements. New Delhi’s support for Hasina’s temporary asylum is viewed as a sign of unease with the interim administration’s aggressive tactics.
Meanwhile, several international human rights groups have called for an independent probe into the political and legal developments in Bangladesh, fearing the erosion of democratic norms.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The unfolding legal drama against Sheikh Hasina, her family, and top party leaders represents more than just a judicial proceeding—it reflects the volatile and shifting foundations of Bangladeshi democracy. Whether these cases stand the test of legal scrutiny or crumble under claims of political bias remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Bangladesh is at a crossroads.
As testimonies begin on August 13, the eyes of the region—and indeed, the world—will be on Dhaka. For a nation that has weathered military coups, democratic experiments, and authoritarian interludes, the future remains precariously balanced.