Testimony began Monday in three separate corruption trials against Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul, proceedings that prosecutors say could permanently bar the once-dominant political family from public office.
The cases, heard at Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court-5 under Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, accuse the defendants of unlawfully allocating government land and other abuses of power. Bangladesh’s state news agency, BSS, reported that the trials are proceeding in absentia, with all 48 defendants—including Hasina and her children—considered fugitives after failing to appear in court.
The Anti-Corruption Commission alleges Hasina illegally approved the transfer of 30 kathas (21,600 square feet or 2,007 square meters) of state-owned land in the Purbachal New Town Project, a planned residential and commercial hub east of the capital. Prosecutors say the allocation bypassed legal procedures and benefited individuals with personal or political ties to her family.
On Monday, Deputy Director of the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission, Salahuddin Ahmed, and other complainants gave their initial testimony. Prosecutors said preparations for the witness phase are complete. The court session was held under tight security, with extra police deployed and public access restricted because of the high-profile defendants.
Hasina, who served multiple terms as prime minister, was removed from power earlier this year following months of protests and allegations of election rigging. She has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and aimed at erasing her influence. Her son and daughter have not commented publicly.
OCCRP has reported that Hasina is also facing charges of crimes against humanity over the deaths of more than 1,000 protesters during last year’s mass demonstrations that ended her 15-year rule. U.N. officials described the crackdown as a “calculated” effort to cling to power.
The corruption trials come as human rights groups continue to accuse the government of harassing opposition figures and activists.
Monday’s hearing ended after opening statements, with the next session scheduled for Aug. 26. Prosecutors are expected to call additional witnesses, while any defense attorneys—if appointed—may challenge the admissibility and credibility of testimony.
If convicted, Hasina and her co-defendants could face lengthy prison terms and a lifetime ban from public office.