A Dhaka court has set 25 November for hearing arguments in a case against 17 people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and niece Tulip Rizwana Siddique.
The case alleged that the accused obtained a 10-katha government plot in Rajuk’s Purbachal New Town project through abuse of power and irregularities.
Sunday was scheduled for the defendants’ self-defence statements at the Dhaka Special Judge Court. On the day, accused Khurshid Alam claimed innocence and sought justice in his self-defence statement. Hasina and other 16 accused, all of whom are absconding, did not submit any self-defence statements.
ACC Public Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Salam said Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 fixed the new date for arguments.
According to the case file, ACC Deputy Director Salahuddin filed the case on 13 January against Sheikh Rehana over allegations of improperly securing the 10-katha plot in Purbachal New Town project. A total of 15 people, including her daughter Tulip and sister Hasina, were initially charged.
After completing the investigation, ACC assistant director and investigation officer Afnan Jannat Keya submitted a charge sheet on 10 March against 17 people, adding two more accused.
The other accused in the case are Ministry of Housing and Public Works administrative officer Md Saiful Islam Sarker, senior assistant secretary Purabi Goldar, additional secretary Md Oliullah, secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin, former Rajuk chairman’s personal assistant Anisur Rahman Miah, former Rajuk member Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Tanmoy Das, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, retired Major (engineer) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, former director Md Nurul Islam, assistant director Mazharul Islam and Deputy Director Nayeb Ali Sharif.
The two additional accused added after the investigation are former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal secretary-1 Mohammad Salah Uddin and former state minister for housing and public works Sharif Ahmed.
On 31 July, Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 framed charges in three related cases and ordered the trials to begin. A total of 32 witnesses have testified so far.
