Bangladesh Court Orders Seizure of Sheikh Hasina’s Properties and Bank Accounts

Former PM’s Dhanmondi Residence, ‘Sudhasadan,’ and 124 Bank Accounts Frozen Amid Legal Action

In a major legal development, a court in Dhaka has ordered the seizure of properties and bank accounts linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members, who are currently in exile in India.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib issued the order on Tuesday, following an application by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Among the seized assets is Hasina’s Dhanmondi residence, ‘Sudhasadan,’ named after her late husband, nuclear scientist MA Wazed Miah, who was affectionately known as Sudha Miah.

Additionally, the court has frozen 124 bank accounts belonging to Hasina’s family, including her son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, and her niece and nephew, Tulip Siddique and Radwan Mujib Siddique.

Diplomatic Fallout Between Bangladesh and India

The court’s order follows growing tensions between Bangladesh and India, with the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry formally lodging a protest with the Indian government on February 6. The protest note, handed to India’s Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, accused Hasina of making “false and fabricated” statements on social media to incite unrest in Bangladesh.

“Such statements are hurting the sentiments of the people in Bangladesh,” the Foreign Ministry said, urging India to take “immediate measures” to stop Hasina from making what it termed “incendiary remarks” while in exile.

Hasina’s Ouster and Political Turmoil

Hasina, 77, was forced out of power on August 5 after weeks of violent student-led protests, which resulted in over 600 deaths. Following her removal, she fled to India, while an interim government was formed under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The political crisis has left Bangladesh in turmoil, with Hasina’s supporters accusing the new government of conducting a politically motivated witch hunt, while her opponents claim these legal actions are necessary to address corruption and misgovernance.

As the legal and political drama unfolds, the spotlight remains on Hasina’s future and how Bangladesh’s relations with India evolve in the coming months.