Dhaka: A court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 21 years in prison after finding her guilty in three separate corruption cases. The verdict was delivered in Dhaka and comes months after she was removed from power during political unrest in the country.

According to court proceedings, the charges relate to the illegal allotment of plots under the government housing project known as the Purbachal New Town scheme. Each of the three cases carried a seven year sentence, and the court ordered that the terms be served consecutively.

Sheikh Hasina did not appear in court, and the sentence was issued in her absence. She has been outside the country since her ousting earlier this year. Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were also convicted in one of the cases. Both received five year prison sentences and fines. Reports say they were also tried in their absence.

This ruling adds to earlier legal actions against the former prime minister. Earlier in November, a special tribunal handed her a death sentence in a separate case connected to violence during protests in 2024. Human rights groups and some international observers have questioned whether the trials are fair and politically neutral. Supporters of Sheikh Hasina argue that the cases are part of a campaign against her political legacy.

The Anti Corruption Commission of Bangladesh initiated the three corruption cases several years ago, accusing Hasina and her family members of misusing government authority. The court said the evidence was sufficient to prove wrongdoing.

More legal decisions related to her administration are expected next month, and the situation continues to draw attention both inside Bangladesh and internationally. For now, the verdict further deepens the political uncertainty facing the country.