Saima Wazed Took RAJUK Plot Without Formal Application: ACC

Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family grossly abused power in acquiring RAJUK plots, with her daughter Saima Wazed (Putul) securing a 10-katha plot solely at her mother’s behest, bypassing all legal procedures.

According to the charge-sheet, Saima Wazed directly appealed to her mother instead of RAJUK, in clear violation of rules governing plot allocation in the Purbachal New Town Project. Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator Afnan Jannat Keya stated that Saima acted "with malicious intent," despite already owning property within RAJUK’s jurisdiction in Dhaka.

Then prime minister's personal secretary-1, Mohammad Salahuddin, forwarded a letter to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, saying the prime minister had instructed the allocation from the government’s reserved quota following Saima’s request.

"Typically, the prime minister would recommend and sign plot allocations under special quotas. Sheikh Hasina signed this recommendation but later destroyed or concealed related documents to shield those involved," the investigator detailed.

The ACC filed the case on January 12, 2025, against 16 people, including Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed. The charge-sheet, submitted on March 10, added two more names, bringing the total to 18 accused.

It further alleged that Saima Wazed, now WHO's South East Asia Regional Director, registered the 10-katha plot in her name and continues to hold possession.

The ACC asserted that Sheikh Hasina abused her office and breached the Dhaka Improvement Trust (Allotment of Land) Act to favor her daughter, cementing the illegal allotment.