Dhaka: The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court has mandated police to submit progress reports on arrest warrants issued against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 16 others by May 18, in connection with the Purbachal plot scam case.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib set the new deadline after police failed to provide the required report, which was initially due today. On April 10, the court accepted the charge sheet against the 18 accused, including Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed Putul, and subsequently issued warrants for their arrest, with a previous deadline of May 4 for submitting the warrant execution report.
The list of individuals named in the case includes prominent figures such as Administrative Officer of the Housing and Public Works Ministry Md Saiful Islam Sarkar, Senior Assistant Secretary Purabi Goldar, Additional Secretary Kazi Wasiuddin, and others. The charges stem from a case filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director Afnan Jannat Keya on January 12, alleging illegal acquisition of a 10-katha plot in the Purbachal New Town Project.
The case accuses Saima Wazed Putul of acquiring the plot by violating Rajuk’s regulations, exploiting her mother’s influence, and concealing ownership of other properties. It is alleged that Sheikh Hasina used her position to improperly influence ministry and Rajuk officials, facilitating the plot’s allocation to her daughter. The charges are based on breaches of the Bangladesh Penal Code and Corruption Prevention laws, with the prosecution listing 16 witnesses in the charge sheet to support these allegations.