Dhaka, July 31 (NationPress) On Thursday, Bangladeshi courts formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and others in relation to six cases concerning alleged corruption linked to the Purbachal New Town project.

Following a hearing on the allegations initiated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 framed charges in three cases. Additionally, Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 indicted them in the other three cases, according to reports from local media.

ACC Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam stated, "Charges have been framed against the accused in three cases. In one of these cases, 12 individuals including Sheikh Hasina, in the second, 17 including both Sheikh Hasina and Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and in the third, 18 including Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed Putul."

The courts have also issued arrest warrants against the indicted parties and scheduled August 13 for the recording of prosecution witness testimonies.

The media cell of the Bangladesh Awami League reported an alarming increase in fake legal cases, mob violence, and political retribution under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

The party expressed concerns over a collapse of the justice system in Bangladesh amid a surge of fraudulent cases since the ousting of the democratically-elected Awami League government.

Earlier this month, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to a six-month prison term for contempt of court.

Furthermore, Shakil Akanda Bulbul, a leader of the Awami League's student wing Chhatra League, received a two-month sentence in relation to the same case.

The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, issued the ruling, as reported by local media.

Charges of contempt of court were filed against Hasina and Bulbul following a viral audio clip leaked on social media, which allegedly depicted the former Prime Minister interfering with the judicial process and threatening the tribunal.

Last month, the ICT issued a show-cause notice to Hasina, who left the country in August 2024, and Bulbul in the contempt of court proceedings.

Analysts view these developments as a significant political vendetta orchestrated by the interim government led by Yunus, as numerous cases were filed against the former Prime Minister and her supporters on baseless grounds immediately after her removal in August 2024.

Hasina, a prominent figure in the fight for democracy in Bangladesh and the daughter of the nation's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was forced to flee the country in a disgraceful manner, seeking refuge in India.