HC rules on probing Hasina, family’s graft in RNPP

The High Court has issued a rule questioning why an investigation should not be launched into alleged irregularities and corruption involving $5 billion in the establishment of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP). 

The allegations implicate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and niece Tulip Siddiqui.

The bench, comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Mubina Asaf, issued the rule on Sunday (December 15) following a writ petition filed by Barrister Bobby Hajjaj. 

The court has also sought clarification on why the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) inaction on these allegations should not be deemed illegal.

The writ petition, filed by Barrister Hajjaj—a Supreme Court lawyer and founder of the National Democratic Movement (NDM)—alleges that $5 billion (approximately Tk 6,00,000 crore) was embezzled from the RNPP project and transferred through a Malaysian bank.

The petition names several respondents, including: former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her niece Tulip Siddiqui, and officials from the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, and The Anti-Corruption Commission.

The petitioner has sought a directive for the ACC to launch a comprehensive investigation and take legal action against those found responsible.

The allegations of financial misconduct surfaced in reports from local and international media, claiming that funds from the RNPP project were embezzled and laundered abroad. Despite a formal request to the ACC in August for an investigation, no action was taken, prompting the filing of the writ.

The High Court's rule demands an explanation for the ACC’s inaction and why this failure should not be declared unlawful. It also seeks directives for the ACC to investigate the corruption claims comprehensively.