Khaberni - A court in Bangladesh, on Thursday, sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years in prison in three corruption cases.
A court in Dhaka, presided over by Judge Abdullah Al Mamoon, convicted Hasina (78 years old) of illegally acquiring lands in the suburbs of Bangladesh's largest cities, at the conclusion of a trial held in absentia.
The judge announced at the verdict that "the conduct of the Prime Minister ... reveals a continuous inclination towards corruption, fueled by a sense of impunity, unlimited powers, and a blatant greed for public property."
Her son and daughter were also sentenced on Thursday to five years in prison in the same cases.
Last week, a court sentenced the former Prime Minister, who ruled the country with an iron fist since 2009, to death for committing crimes against humanity by ordering security forces to fire on protesters during the student uprising that ousted her in August 2024.
Hasina, who is currently outside the country, denied issuing such orders, condemning "political motives" behind the verdict.
At least 1,400 people, mostly civilians according to the United Nations, fell during the popular protests led by students which forced Hasina to resign and leave the country on August 5, 2024, to seek refuge in neighboring India after 15 years of holding power.
Following the death sentence against her, Dhaka requested her extradition to New Delhi, which informed on Wednesday that the request "is under consideration."
