A Khulna court on Tuesday sentenced 21 individuals to life term imprisonment in the murder case of a local Chhatra League leader in 2020.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Abdus Salam of Khulna Women and Children Suppression Tribunal-3 on Tuesday.
In addition to the life sentences, each convict has been fined Tk 20,000, with an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment if the fine remains unpaid.
The convicts are Saikat, Md. Mehdi Hasan Rabbi, Swechasebak League leader Rawshan Aniji Antu, Md. Sajjat Hossain, Emdadul Islam Hridoy, Md. Arif alias Chora Arif, Md. Munna, Rafiqul Hasan Shaon alias Atang Babu, Md. Saiful, Md. Mostak Ahmed, Mithai Hridoy, Md. Fahim alias Kala Fahim, Rubel, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Sobuj, Md. Faizur Rahman Arafat, Ashiqur Rahman Molla, Rabbi alias Nata Rabbi, Yasir Rabbi alias Jewel alias Nata Jewel, Md. Shakib Sheikh and Naimur Rahman Fahim.
Meanwhile, five accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence, including Mohammad Tushar, Raihan, Runu Howlader, Naim Babu alias Point Babu, and Salman.
According to the case statement, the murder occurred on August 19, 2020, when a group of assailants attacked Hasibur Rahman Niyaz, a leader of Haji Muhammad Mohsin College BCL unit, with sharp weapons at Creative Carts and Coffee House adjacent to Wonderland Children's Park in Khalishpur. This incident took place after Hasibur protested against drug sales in the area. During the incident, two of Hasibur's friends, Jobair and Rana, were also injured. The attack was captured on video, which later went viral.
Following the incident, Hasibur's father, Habibur Rahman, filed a murder case at Khalishpur Police Station the next day.
The trial began on March 7 of this year, initially in a speedy tribunal but was later transferred to the Women and Children Suppression Tribunal due to delays.
The investigating officer, SI Mizanur Rahman, submitted a charge sheet naming 26 suspects to the court.
After a hearing on December 24, the court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants for the accused.
However, the victim's father Habibur Rahman expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, stating, "We were not satisfied with this judgment. We expected the death penalty for some of the accused. We will appeal to the High Court."
Public prosecutor Romana Tanha confirmed the matter adding that they will review the documents to discuss an appeal with the complainant.
