Dhaka, Nov 28 (NationPress) The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, along with her family, has categorically dismissed the corruption allegations against them, labeling these accusations as malicious, politically driven, and devoid of any credible basis.

This statement was made following a Dhaka court's ruling on Thursday, which sentenced Hasina to 21 years in prison in connection with three corruption cases initiated by the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding irregularities related to the Purbachal New City Project. Furthermore, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were also handed five-year prison terms in one of these cases.

In their statement released on the Awami League's social media platform on Friday afternoon, Hasina and her family asserted, “We unequivocally reject all corruption allegations, asserting that each claim is tainted by the political agendas of adversaries. The ACC operates under the influence of an unelected government, armed with biased evidence that has denied us a chance to defend ourselves.”

The family criticized the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, stating, “These accusations are evidently malicious and politically motivated, particularly disheartening as the interim government seeks to drag innocent family members into political strife.”

They further stated that the interim government has consistently undermined Bangladesh's institutions, imposing unconstitutional restrictions that disenfranchise millions.

“The ACC should prioritize investigating the ongoing cronyism and rampant corruption among those currently in power. Until Bangladesh has a government elected by the people, capable of maintaining institutional integrity, the issue of corruption will persist,” they added.

Earlier, the Awami League denounced the “unfounded and manufactured corruption case” against Hasina and her family, asserting it was intended to tarnish their image.

“Bangladesh lacks the rule of law. Justice is absent from our courts, which have become instruments for protecting the interests of an illegitimate regime. The judiciary is not only compliant but is managed by loyalists who have compromised their integrity. This is evident as the court quickly dismissed the 6.66 billion taka tax-evasion case against Yunus while fabricating baseless charges against legally acquired properties to tarnish the Bangabandhu family's reputation,” the party stated.