A court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years in prison for corruption. The verdict follows a recent death sentence given to her in a separate trial for crimes against humanity.
The 78-year-old leader currently resides in India and has refused to return to Bangladesh despite court orders. The corruption cases involve land grabs in a suburb of Dhaka. Sheikh Hasina received seven years in each of the three cases. It is not yet clear if the sentences will run concurrently.
Judge Abdullah Al Mamun criticized Hasina’s actions, stating that her conduct “demonstrates a persistent corruption mindset rooted in entitlement, unchecked power, and greed for public property.” Officials said she misused public land and manipulated government procedures to benefit herself and close relatives.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, and daughter, Saima Wazed, were also sentenced to five years in prison. Several other accused in the three cases received varying jail terms, with a total of 47 individuals involved.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh by helicopter on August 5, 2024, after student-led protests demanded her resignation. Political unrest has continued, and violence marked campaigning ahead of the February 2026 elections.
The public prosecutor, Khan Moinul Hasan, said the verdict would be appealed, as authorities had sought the maximum punishment. Hasina has called the verdicts politically motivated and biased.
The UN reports that up to 1,400 people were killed during crackdowns linked to Hasina’s efforts to maintain power. Other ongoing corruption cases involve Hasina’s sister and family members, including British MP Tulip Siddiq.
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The sentencing of Sheikh Hasina is a historic moment in Bangladesh, reflecting efforts to hold political leaders accountable for corruption and misuse of public resources. The country remains in political turmoil as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
