Mon Dec 01 07:26:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

A court in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (in absentia) to five years in prison and her niece, British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, to two years for corruption related to a government land project. Hasina was accused of misusing her power, while Siddiq was found guilty of influencing her aunt to benefit her mother and siblings. Siddiq’s mother, Sheikh Rehana, received a seven-year sentence. Siddiq has denounced the trial as a political farce and maintains her innocence. Hasina is already living in exile in India and has been previously sentenced to death and to 21 years in jail in separate cases involving crimes against humanity and corruption, respectively. Other family members are also implicated in various charges and reside abroad.

News Article:

Former Bangladesh PM Hasina, UK MP Siddiq Convicted in Corruption Case

DHAKA, Bangladesh – A Dhaka court has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison and British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq to two years for corruption related to a government land project. The verdict was delivered on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court ruled that Ms. Hasina misused her power as Prime Minister, while Ms. Siddiq, who represents Hampstead and Highgate in the UK Parliament, was found guilty of improperly influencing her aunt to secure a land plot for her mother and two siblings. Sheikh Rehana, Siddiq’s mother, received a seven-year sentence and was identified as the primary participant in the alleged scheme.

Ms. Siddiq has vehemently condemned the verdict. “The whole process has been flawed and farcical,” she stated. “The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called ‘verdict’ will be treated with the contempt it deserves.” She added that her focus remains on her constituents in the UK.

Hasina, who is living in exile in India, did not appoint a defense lawyer. She has been previously sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and 21 years in jail in separate cases. Other family members facing related charges are also residing abroad.

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