A judge sentenced three to death and five others to life imprisonment in the Munshiganj triple-murder case. Judge Md Masud Karim of Dhaka’s Speedy Trial Tribunal-3 pronounced the verdict on Thursday.
The death penalty convicts are Rakibul Hasan Sourav, Shihab Prodhan, and Roni Bepari. Those sentenced to life imprisonment are Shakib Prodhan, Shamim Prodhan, Anik Bepari, Jahangir Hossain, and Rayhan, who were also fined Tk100,000 each.
Amongst the accused, eight were convicted, while 10 others acquitted due to insufficient evidence, according to Public Prosecutor Bilal Hossain.
According to case history, following the harassment of a Grade 9 girl in Uttar Islampur, Munshiganj, a mediation meeting was held on March 24, 2021, between the two groups involved with the incident. During the meeting, clashes broke out between the groups, where Emon Hossain (22) was stabbed to death and Sakib Hossain (19) died on his way to the hospital.
Three others were critically injured and later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where Aowlad Hossain Mintu (47) succumbed to his injuries the following day.
On March 26, 2021, Mintu’s wife Khaleda Akter filed a murder case at Munshiganj Police Station.
After investigation, a chargesheet naming 18 individuals was submitted by the police on June 8, 2022. Later, on August 25, 2024, the case was transferred to Dhaka’s Tribunal-3 upon ministry directive. The tribunal framed charges on September 17, 2024 and commenced trial proceedings. During the trial, 28 witnesses testified in court.
However, both the Public Prosecutor, Billal Hossain, and the plaintiff, Khaleda Akter, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict.
Khaleda Akter stated, “If needed, I’ll approach the higher court to ensure my husband’s killers are punished. I’ll fight for justice as long as I am alive.”
Public Prosecutor Billal Hossain also announced plans to appeal in the High Court.