Bangladesh Court Sentences Former PM's Sister, UK Lawmaker

A court in Bangladesh has sentenced Sheikh Rehana, the sister of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to seven years in prison for corruption related to the illegal acquisition of valuable plots of land in Dhaka.

In the same case, Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq (a British lawmaker who recently resigned as an anti-corruption minister), received a two-year sentence.

The former Prime Minister, Hasina, who was previously ousted after a student-led uprising and sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, was given a five-year prison term along with 14 other officials.

Bangladesh (News Central TV) — A Bangladesh court sentenced the former prime minister’s sister and a UK lawmaker. Credit: BBC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutor stated that correspondence showed Siddiq pressed a principal secretary to allocate plots for her mother and siblings, claiming three plots for herself and her children.

The judge quoted the Quran, stressing the court’s authority over all Bangladeshi citizens, regardless of location.

Hasina denounced the verdict as an investigation that “is not itself corrupt.”

Bangladesh’s interim government plans to inform British authorities of the verdict.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.