The anti-graft watchdog has sued ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul and 14 others after finding evidence of misusing power to obtain a 60-katha plot at Purbachal.
A total of 16 individuals, including the housing and public works secretary and several Rajuk officials, have been accused of illegally acquiring government plots at Purbachal New Town.
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general (prevention) Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the matter of lodging a case against them on Sunday.
The accused are Hasina, Putul, public works secretary Md Shahid Ullah Khandker, additional secretary (admin) Kazi Washi Uddin, administrative officer Md Saiful Islam Sarkar, senior assistant secretary Purabi Golder, former Rajuk chairman Md Anisur Rahman Miah, former member (estate and land) Md Khurshid Alam, member (admin and finance) Kabir Al Asad, member (development control) Tanmoy Das, member (estate and land) Md Nurul Islam, former member (planning) Md Nasir Uddin, former member Maj (retd) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, director (estate and land-02) Sheikh Shahinul Islam, and deputy directors Md Hafizur Rahman and Habibur Rahman.
Mr Hossain said the allegations, as reported in newspaper clippings, appear to be specific and evidence-based, and they fall under the schedule of offences for the commission.
"Therefore, it was deemed appropriate to enquire into the matter through the commission's special investigation branch," he cited. Earlier on December 26, the ACC initiated an investigation into the matter.
On that day, the ACC director general stated that the former premier, leveraging her political position and special power, misused her authority and engaged in irregularities and corruption.
With the aid of senior Rajuk officials, Hasina allegedly facilitated the allocation of six plots, each measuring 10 katha, in the diplomatic zone of Sector 27 at Purbachal.
The plots were registered in her name as well as in the names of her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Putul, younger sister Sheikh Rehana, and Rehana's children Rezwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby and Azmina Siddiq.
