A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence, Sudhasadan, located in Dhanmondi, along with several other properties owned by her family members, who are currently in exile in India.
The court has also directed authorities to freeze 124 bank accounts belonging to Hasina and her family members, an official confirmed. The ruling was issued on Tuesday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib, following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC requested the seizure of these properties, citing alleged financial irregularities and corruption involving Hasina and her family.
Hasina’s residence, Sudhasadan, was named after her late husband, MA Wazed Miah, a renowned nuclear scientist who was affectionately called Sudha Miah. Apart from Hasina, the properties seized include those owned by her son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, and her nieces Tulip Siddique and Radwan Mujib Siddique. These individuals, along with Hasina, have been residing in India since she was removed from power in August 2024.
Authorities in Bangladesh are now working to implement the court’s directive, which marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against Hasina and her family following her removal from office.
Bangladesh Government Protests Hasina’s Statements from India
This legal action against Hasina comes at a time of rising diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and India over her public statements. On February 6, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a strong protest with the Indian government, accusing Hasina of making false and fabricated statements aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh.
In an official protest note handed to India’s Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, the Bangladesh government expressed deep concern, disappointment, and strong reservations over Hasina’s alleged comments. The ministry stated that her remarks, made through social media and other platforms, were hurting the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people and creating unrest.
Bangladesh has formally requested India to take immediate measures to prevent Hasina from making further statements while residing in the country. Officials in Dhaka argue that such remarks violate diplomatic norms and could strain relations between the two neighboring countries.
Sheikh Hasina Ousted After Student-Led Protests
Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over two decades, was forced out of office on August 5, 2024, following a massive student-led uprising. The protests, which lasted for several weeks, resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, leading to the deaths of over 600 people.
The movement, largely driven by students and young activists, accused Hasina’s government of authoritarianism, corruption, and economic mismanagement. Amid growing unrest, Hasina, who was 77 years old at the time, fled to India seeking asylum.
In the wake of her departure, an interim government was formed in Bangladesh, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus, a well-known economist and social entrepreneur, has since taken charge of stabilizing the country and addressing the concerns raised by the protest movement.
With legal actions intensifying against Hasina and her family, Bangladesh continues to face a highly volatile political situation, with the former prime minister now under judicial and diplomatic pressure both at home and abroad.
