A Dhaka court has sentenced three men to death and five others to life imprisonment over a triple murder that stemmed from a local arbitration meeting regarding an eve-teasing incident in Munshiganj in 2021.
The Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-3, presided over by Judge Masud Karim, delivered the verdict on Thursday afternoon in a case that drew national attention due to its brutal nature and social context.
The death row convicts are Roni Bepari, Sourav Prodhan, and Shihab Prodhan. Those sentenced to life imprisonment are Shakib Prodhan, Shamim Prodhan, Anik Bepari, Raihan, and Chhoto Jahangir.
According to the prosecution, Shihab, Shakib, and Shamim are siblings. Special Public Prosecutor Md. Billal Hossain confirmed their relationship and expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating that the state would appeal the acquittal of 10 co-accused.
The court acquitted 10 of the 18 defendants, a decision that sparked discontent among both the victim’s family and the prosecution. Khaleda Akter, wife of slain victim Mintu and the complainant in the case, broke down in tears after the verdict.
“I did not get justice,” she said. “I will go to the higher court if needed. As long as I live, I will continue to fight for justice.” She also raised concerns about the country’s legal system during an emotional moment outside the courtroom.
Defense lawyer Abul Hossain echoed similar sentiments, asserting, “We believe this is not a fair judgment. We will file an appeal after receiving the full verdict.”
The incident occurred on March 24, 2021, in the North Islampur area of Munshiganj town, when an altercation broke out between two groups of teens and young men over an eve-teasing incident. A local arbitration was arranged later that night to settle the dispute.
However, during the arbitration, Sourav, Shihab, and Shamim were fatally stabbed. Two days later, Khaleda Akter filed a murder case naming 12 individuals and accusing 10 to 15 unidentified others.
Following a four-year legal process, the court framed charges against 18 accused on September 17, 2024. During the trial, 28 witnesses testified in court.
LND/BG
–
English News : https://www.libertynewsbd.com
বাংলা সংবাদ : https://www.bangla.libertynewsbd.com
X : https://www.x.com/libertynewsbd
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/libertynewsbd/
