ACC express frustration over verdict in Purbachal plot graft cases against Hasina family

The legal counsel of Khurshid Alam, the only suspect so far arrested in the case, declined to comment

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has expressed its frustration over the verdicts in three cases over corruption in the allocation of plots in Dhaka's Purbachal New Town Project against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, members of her family, and others.

The ACC had petitioned for the suspects to receive life in prison, the highest penalty in corruption cases.

Following the verdict announcement on Thursday, ACC Counsel Khan Md Mainul Hasan Lipon said: "We expected the maximum sentence, but it did not happen. Our next steps will be taken after discussions with the commission."

A Dhaka court sentenced Hasina, who was ousted by the July Uprising, to a total of 21 years in jail in three cases over corruption.

Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul, each accused in a case alongside their mother, have both been sentenced to five years in prison.

The three have been convicted of “hiding information on” houses, flats, or housing facilities in Dhaka city to illegally obtain three 10-katha plots of land in the project through the exploitation of state power.

Dhaka Special Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun delivered the verdicts in the three cases on Thursday.

Former RAJUK member (estate and land) Mohammad Khurshid Alam was the only suspect in custody during the trial. He surrendered to the court on Oct 29 and petitioned for bail. It was denied by the court and he was sent to jail.

He was brought to court for the verdict and, in light of his surrender to the court, was given a lighter sentence of one year in prison in each of the three cases for a total of three years in jail.

Khurshid Alam's lawyer Shahinur Islam declined to comment on the matter.