A Dhaka court on Thursday issued arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul and 16 others in a case over irregularities in plot allocations of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk). Judge of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Court Zakir Hossain Galib passed the order after accepting the chargesheet submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The rest of the accused those face the arrest warrants include Md Saiful Islam Sarkar, administrative officer at the Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Senior Assistant Secretary Purbi Goldar; Additional Secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin; Secretary Md Shahid Ullah Khandaker; former personal assistant to Rajuk chairman Md Anisur Rahman Miah; former Rajuk members Mohammad Khurshid Alam; Kabir Al Asad; Tanmoy Das; Mohammad Nasir Uddin; retired Major Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury; Md Nurul Islam; Director Sheikh Shahinul Islam; Deputy Directors Md Hafizur Rahman; Habibur Rahman; Mohammad Salah Uddin; and Sharif Ahmed. ACC probes Hasina, Rehana over Tk 4,000cr Mujib Borsho spending Aminul Islam, assistant director of the ACC’s prosecution division, said the court also set May 4 for submitting a report on the execution of the arrest warrants. The ACC filed the case against the accused on January 12. According to the case statement, accused Saima concealed the fact that she and her family members already owned properties, including houses or flats, within areas under Rajuk’s jurisdiction, such as Dhaka’s Dhanmondi residential zone. Despite this, she allegedly abused the influence of her mother to secure a plot in the Purbachal New Town Housing Project, violating relevant laws, regulations and procedures. Sheikh Hasina abused her power and breached public trust by influencing officials responsible for the allocation process when she was prime minister, according to the statement. Through collusion, the accused unlawfully facilitated the allocation of Plot No. 17 on Road No. 203 in Sector 27 of the Purbachal to Saima, despite her being ineligible and without paying the legally required fees. Allah has kept Hasina alive to face trial of the century: CA's Press Secretary Saiman later took physical possession of the plot and had it registered under her name. Following an investigation, the anti-graft commission submitted the chargesheet on March 10 against 18 accused.

Chief Adviser’s High Representative Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday said Bangladesh has formally urged India not to allow former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to use its territory as a platform for making anti-state or anti-government remarks. He made the statement while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, following recent bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit between Dr Yunus and Indian PM Narendra Modi, held on April 4 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok. He mentioned that during the meeting, they placed a request regarding Hasina’s extradition and both sides will work on it, Khalilur said, adding, “Prime Minister Modi clearly stated that India’s relationship with Bangladesh is not based on any individual or political party, but on state-to-state ties. We agree with that and wish to strengthen bilateral relations on that basis.” “We have our own Gaza, but no protest,” says Khalilur  Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir were also present at the event. Minority repression ‘hurts national progress’ Addressing a separate issue, Khalilur said that suppression of minority communities only harms a country’s development. He blamed the legacy of British colonial rule for sowing communal divisions that still persist in the subcontinent. “Whenever we hold discussions with India, they bring up the issue of minority repression in Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that although the British are gone, the problems they created still persist. Dividing communities was a colonial tactic, and both our nations continue to suffer from it,” he said. He warned that excluding minorities from the mainstream weakens a nation’s overall capacity. “When people cannot participate in national life, the country loses out,” he noted. Khalilur also addressed the political violence that followed the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. “We acknowledge that in the five to seven days following August 5, there was effectively no functioning government. During that period, many incidents took place. Unfortunately, members and supporters of the fallen party, regardless of their religion, faced various forms of violence. This is deeply regrettable. No one should take the law into their own hands,” he said. Water treaty negotiations ongoing Khalilur mentioned that discussions are ongoing with India to renew the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which expires in 2026. Rohingya repatriation hinges on Arakan stability: Khalilur Rahman “Both countries are maintaining communication to ensure a smooth negotiation process. We believe India will extend constructive cooperation,” he said. He also raised concerns over the Teesta River, pointing out that 14 per cent of Bangladesh’s population lives in the Teesta basin. He noted that their livelihoods, the region’s ecology, and future are all dependent on the availability of water. Without water, the area becomes uninhabitable, he said. Khalilur emphasised that ensuring a minimum flow of water in the Teesta basin is a top priority for the government, adding that they cannot allow such a large portion of population to live in a precarious condition. “That is why we said India to sign a water-sharing agreement while also exploring alternative solutions,” he added.

In a bombshell Facebook post late on Thursday night that instantly went viral, Hasnat Abdullah, one of the key leaders of the uprising that overthrew Sheikh Hasina and now the chief organiser (South) of the newly-formed National Citizens Party (NCP), alleged that under the stewardship of India, a plot is being hatched to rehabilitate the Awami League. In the post, Hasnat divulged details of a key meeting held at the Cantonment on March 11, between himself and two others from NCP with presumably military leadership, where a proposal was put forward to them to bring back the AL to mainstream politics. He wrote: "On 11 March, at 2:30pm, this plan was presented to me and two others at the Cantonment. It was proposed that in exchange for negotiated seat sharing (at the next election), we should accept this offer. We were told that the same proposal was put forward to multiple political parties  — and, subject to certain conditions, they had agreed to the rehabilitation of the Awami League. It was suggested that having multiple opposition parties alongside a weak Awami League would be better than just one opposition party. As a result, over the past two days, you will notice that many politicians in the media have been speaking in favour of the Awami League." He said the move was being orchestrated by India, and the plan was to have ex-MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury, ex-speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and ex-mayor of Dhaka South Fazle Noor Taposh as the faces of what would amount to a ‘Refined Awami League’. Hasnat continued, "We were further told that from April-May onwards, this 'Refined Awami League,' would start admitting to the crimes of the Sheikh family, reject Hasina, and promise to reestablish the Awami League of Bangabandhu in front of the public." Confidence in elections hinges on reforming current administration: Hasnat Abdullah Hasnat said they immediately rejected the proposal and informed their interlocutors that instead of rehabilitating the Awami League, they should be working towards bringing them to justice. "In response, we were told that if we object to the return of the Awami League, we would be responsible for the crisis it creates in the country, and that  'Awami League must come back,'" he continued. Hasnat further wrote, "At one stage of the discussion, I asked, 'How can you forgive a party that has not yet apologised or confessed to its crimes?' Angrily, the other side responded, 'You people know nothing. You lack wisdom and experience. We have been in this service for at least forty years, longer than you’ve been alive. Moreover, without the Awami League, there can be no 'inclusive' election.'" Hasnat said they didn’t compromise, instead telling the other party "There can be no inclusivity with the Awami League. If the Awami League is to return, it will be over our dead bodies. If an attempt is made to bring back the Awami League, you will be responsible for the crisis that will arise." The meeting then wrapped up with the issue left unresolved. Hasnat went on to write that during the July-August movement last year, they also received various proposals but instead of listening to any of them, they put their faith in the people, and with their support, brought about the downfall of Awami League. He said resisting any pressure from the Cantonment, they would like to do so again today, on the question of banning Awami League, on which he said there could be no compromise. "Today, if I again have your support, if I find you by my side on the streets, we will once again be able to reject this Indian conspiracy of rehabilitating the Awami League," he wrote. Hasnat’s post sparked an immediate reaction, as a group of Dhaka University students held  held a procession on the campus in the small hours of Friday, demanding the ban of Awami League. They also announced to reconvene in front of the Raju Sculpture on Friday afternoon to press home their demand. Hasnat reiterates strong stance against media biased towards fascism Meanwhile Jamaat e Islami chief Dr ShafIqur Rahman, in an early morning post on Friday on his verified Facebook page, seemed to add his voice to Hasnat’s in this regard for the first time, with a statement titled “The public will not accept the rehabilitation of the Awami League.” Without calling directly for the Awami League to be banned, he emphasised bringing them to justice as the number one priority in front of the nation right now. He urged all sides to remain united in this goal.

Students have staged protests at Khamarbari in the capital, demanding the removal of secretaries and bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government. The demonstration, which began on Sunday afternoon, is still going on at the time of reporting. Anti-fascist students of various educational institutions, including Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), joined the protests. In response to the escalating situation, members of the army, police and other security forces have been deployed to the scene. Rahat Hossain, a student of SAU, said, “During the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, bureaucrats stationed at Khamarbari worked in favour of the fascist regime. They continue to hold their positions, which is not beneficial for our country.” Mild heat wave sweeps across several dists, BMD says “They have been attempting to render our agricultural sector ineffective. That is why we are demanding the removal of all bureaucrats from Hasina’s tenure. We will not leave the streets until our demands are met,” he added. Rahaat also emphasised that the issue extends beyond the agricultural sector. “Not just in agriculture, but in every sector, those officials who enjoyed undue privileges under Hasina’s rule must also be removed.” Students claim that bureaucrats, particularly secretaries, played a crucial role in the administration of Sheikh Hasina’s government. It is alleged that she strategically appointed loyal secretaries and officials in key ministries and departments. Nazrul Islam, a student activist leading the anti-fascist movement at SAU, said, “We will march to the Secretariat while others will continue their sit-in here. If our demands are not met, we will continue our movement.”

A Dhaka court on Tuesday issued an order for the seizure of several properties including houses, flats, and land, registered under the names of family members of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain Ghalib passed the order following a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Her family members included son Sajeeb Wazed Joy; daughter Saima Wazed Putul, younger sister Sheikh Rehana and Rehana’s children—Radwan Mujib Siddique Bobby and Tulip Siddiq. A flat in Gulshan, registered under Tulip Siddiq’s name, 'Sudha Sadan,' a house in Dhanmondi with 16 kathas of land, jointly owned by Joy and Putul are among the properties. Maya and 17 others sued in BNP leader’s disappearance Other  assets included Sheikh Rehana’s 8.5 kathas of land in Gazipur, 1.55 decimal of land in another Gazipur location, a flat in Segunbagicha.and six flats in Gulshan owned by Radwan Mujib Bobby, Court sources said ACC Deputy Director Md Monirul Islam filed the petition claiming that Hasina and her family were attempting to transfer or misappropriate these properties.

A Dhaka court on Tuesday imposed a travel ban on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family for their alleged involvement in corruption Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said public relations officer of ACC Aktarul Islam. The other family members include Sheikh Rehana, Hasina,s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, Rehana’s daughter Tulip Siddiquee and her son Redwan Mujib Siddique. Court imposes travel ban on ex-AL MP, family in corruption case Deputy director of the ACC Monirul Islam, also the investigating officer of the case, filed a petition seeking travel ban against the former prime minister and her family. According to the petition, Sheikh Hasina and her family were found involved in embezzling Tk 59,000 crore froom Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. ACC formed a five-member body to investigate the allegation brought against them.    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the massacre at Pilkhana lasted for two days under the leadership of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Fakhrul made the allegation on Tuesday morning after placing wreaths at the graves of the martyred military officers and personnel at the military cemetery in Banani, Dhaka, marking the National Martyred Army Day. Tributes paid to martyrs of 2009 Pilkhana tragedy "This day is a dark chapter for the army. The enemies of the armed forces killed 57 brilliant military officers that day. Their objective was to destroy the country's security system," Fakhrul said. The BNP leader said they appreciate the government for declaring this day as a national day. “We also extend our condolences to the families of the slain military personnel."

Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said bringing Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh and putting her on trial in person is the government's top priority. “We want to bring her back and put her on trial in person. The people of Bangladesh want to see her trial. Bringing her to justice is our top priority,” he said in response to a question on whether her trial would be held in absentia. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Shafiqul Alam said she has been accused of committing crimes against humanity in the recently published UN human rights report. “A huge pressure is being created (on India to extradite Sheikh Hasina) following the UN report and other reports from some human rights groups,” he said. Dhaka to remind Delhi about its request for Hasina’s extradition: Ministry Referring to a recent survey conducted by India Today, the press secretary said 55 percent of Indians support Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to Bangladesh, a certain percentage want her sent to a third country and only 16-17 percent of Indians want she should be allowed to stay in India. He said Sheikh Hasina had run a brutal dictatorship for 15-16 years, which is clearly outlined in the 127-page UN report. “I think the pressure (on India to extradite her) would increase after this UN report,” he added. Shafiqul Alam said the government asked India to extradite her and the pressure will continue to exert pressure on the issue. “Our main goal is to bring her to Bangladesh and put her on trial,” he said. Complete lack of remorse on Hasina's part leaves Asif Nazrul stunned CA’s deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar was present at the briefing.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Tuesday ordered the authorities concerned to submit probe reports by April 20 in two cases over the mass killing during the July uprising against Sheikh Hasina and 45 others.   A three-member bench, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order after the prosecution submitted a petition seeking more time to complete the investigation, said court’s chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam.   Earlier on 17 December last year, the court issued a warrant for the arrest of former premier Hasina, former minister Obaidul Quader and 44 others in the cases. The court also ordered the investigation agency to complete the probe and submit a report within two months, which ended today (Tuesday). The other accused include former ministers Anisul Huq, Faruk Khan, Dipu Moni, Abdur Razzaque, Shahjahan Khan, Amir Hossain Amu and Qamrul Islam. DB arrests ex-health secretary Jahangir Alam Advocate Tajul Islam hoped that they would be able to submit the probe report within the deadline. Following the fall of Awami League, at least 60 cases or complaints of enforced disappearances, killings, genocide and crimes against humanity were lodged at the International Crimes Tribunal, accusing Sheikh Hasina, leaders of the Awami League and 14 party alliance and senior officials of different law enforcement agencies. The allegations brought against the accused include murder and attempt to murder, disappearance, and other crimes.

Stating that the UN fact-finding report rightly revealed Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in mass killings during the July-August mass uprising, the BNP has demanded that India return her to Bangladesh for prosecution. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the demand at a press briefing at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office after a meeting with Acting British High Commissioner in Dhaka, James Goldman, on Thursday. “I would like to thank the UN fact-finding committee for their report, which correctly states that the killings were carried out as per the orders of a particular individual, the fascist Hasina,” he said. He said the report said the mass killings, all human rights violations, and the destruction of democracy and institutions were carried out by her orders. People to decide on AL ban, says Fakhrul "It has been proven that Hasina is a fascist who has tortured, persecuted and killed the people of this country. We are calling upon the Indian government today to immediately return her (Hasina) and her accomplices to Bangladesh and hand her over to the government for trial. This is our expectation,” Fakhrul said. He expressed their party’s relief as the truth about the incidents that took place has now been uncovered through the UN report. “The problem is that when the United Nations speaks, we all believe it. But when we, the political parties, say it, many are reluctant to believe. Anyway, I would like to thank the UN team that came here and presented the report.” The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released its Fact-Finding Report titled 'Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh' on Friday. Fakhrul also talked about the issue of enforced disappearances and the "Aynaghar torture cells," saying, it is a fact that the people of Bangladesh have been subjected to enforced disappearances and brutal killings. "Enforced disappearances and killings are not limited to any particular party. The people of Bangladesh have been made to disappear here (in Aynaghar), and they have been brutally killed... These are the things we have been saying from the very beginning,” he said. When the report on Aynaghar was released on Al Jazeera, the BNP leader said the Awami League government at the time had completely denied it, claiming that nothing like this was there. “But from the very beginning, these things were taking place." BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists He alleged that the Awami League regime used to pick people up and then falsely accuse them of being militants. Many people were repressed in torture cells to extract various confessions about their supposed involvement in militant activities, the BNP leader said. “Some people were kept in the torture cells to create a fake narrative, using them to stage militant dramas at different times... they showed that militant training was happening in various houses and bombs were being made, all to demonstrate that militants were spreading. But today, it has been proven that the things we said were true,” he said. Fakhrul said the Awami League government, at that time, deliberately violated human rights in Bangladesh, destroyed democracy, and targeted the opposition simply to remain in power.