Eight people acquitted in the sensational murder case of madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi were released from Kashimpur jails in Gazipur on Tuesday.
The eight, including a woman, were released in phases from Kashimpur High Security Central Jail and Kashimpur Female’s Central Jail from around 12:45pm, after prison authorities received and verified the relevant court documents.
The released individuals are Md Shamim, Hafez Abdul Kader, Mahiuddin Shakil, Afsar Uddin, Imran Hossain Mamun, Iftekhar Uddin Rana, Abdur Rahim Sharif and Kamrunnahar Moni.
Md Zakir Hossain, jailer of Kashimpur High Security Central Jail, confirmed the development.
He said the authorities verified the court’s acquittal orders and completed the necessary formalities before releasing the eight in accordance with prison rules.
Relatives of the acquitted individuals had gathered outside the main gate of Kashimpur Central Jail since morning after learning about their release.
An emotional scene unfolded as they came out of the jail one after another after noon.
Some of those released broke down in tears after reuniting with their relatives after a long time.
Kamrunnahar Moni was accompanied by her seven-year-old daughter, Mobashwera Khanom Rathi, when she left the jail.
The eight later met relatives and well-wishers before leaving for Feni.
Nusrat murder case
Nusrat Jahan Rafi, a student of Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa in Feni, was set on fire on 6 Apri 2019, after she was allegedly pressured to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint against the madrasa principal.
According to the case proceedings, Nusrat was taken to the madrasa rooftop, where she was set on fire. She suffered severe burns and was later taken to Dhaka for treatment. She died on 10 April, 2019.
The killing sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.
Police subsequently filed a chargesheet against 16 people in connection with the murder. Following the trial, a court sentenced several accused to death and handed down different terms of punishment to others.
The eight people released on Tuesday were later acquitted by High Court.
