• Bangladesh court sentences ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to 21 years in prison for corruption.
• The sentencing is related to irregular land allocations in the Purbachal New Town project.
• Hasina is already facing a death sentence for her role in a violent crackdown on protesters.
• Her children received five-year prison terms for related charges.
• Hasina remains in exile in India, defying multiple court summons.

A special judge court in Dhaka sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 21 years in prison for corruption, marking a significant legal blow against the exiled leader. The court's verdict, delivered on Thursday, arises from three cases regarding irregularities in land allocations tied to the Purbachal New Town project. Each of the three sentences consists of seven years to be served consecutively, according to aa, Al Jazeera, and India Times.

Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun issued the sentences based on findings that Hasina had unlawfully fixed land allocations for herself and family members, in violation of housing regulations. The court also imposed a fine of Taka one lakh for each case, warning of additional imprisonment if the fines remain unpaid, as reported by Al Jazeera and India Times.

In connection with these cases, Hasina's children, Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul, were each sentenced to five years in prison, further compounding the family’s legal challenges. This sentencing follows a recent controversial ruling where Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for her actions against protests that led to violent crackdowns resulting in significant casualties, according to aa and India Times.

Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 2024, following her ousting, and has ignored multiple court summons attempting to bring her back to Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government has requested her extradition from India, although the Indian government is currently assessing the request under the extradition treaty. Observers note the political implications of these cases on Bangladesh’s upcoming elections scheduled for February 2026, as reported by Al Jazeera and India Times.