Bangladesh Court Imprisons Former PM Sheikh Hasina and Relatives in Corruption Case

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, along with her niece Tulip Siddiq and other family members, in two corruption cases involving land allocations. The trial was conducted in absentia, leading to criticism of fairness and the charges' legitimacy.

In a significant legal development, a Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 10 years' imprisonment in two separate corruption cases. The charges relate to irregularities in land allocations within a housing project.

The verdict, delivered by Judge Robiul Alam at Dhaka Special Judge Court-4, also handed four-year jail terms to British lawmaker Tulip Siddiq and lengthier sentences to her siblings. The accused were tried in absentia, sparking controversy over the legitimacy of the proceedings.

The case has drawn international attention, with critics labeling the charges as fabricated. Tulip Siddiq has vehemently denied the allegations, condemning the legal process as flawed and lacking transparency.

(With inputs from agencies.)