N’ganj court orders death for 23 in the 2002 murder of AL activists

A Narayanganj court has awarded death sentence to 23 for the 2002 murder of four Awami League activists.

The verdict was announced by Narayanganj Additional District and Sessions Judge Quamrunnahar on Wednesday.

Nineteen of the death row convicts, including prime suspect and former Araihazar BNP Vice President Abdul Bashar Kashu, were present when the judgement was pronounced , while four are absconding.

On Mar 12, 2002, Bangladesh Chhatra League activist Babek, his cousin Badol, Omor Farooq and Kabir were enticed away from their homes in Araihazar Upazila’s Jalakandi village and hacked and burned to death, said Additional Public Prosecutor Jasmine Ahmed.

“The attack was led by former Araihazar BNP Vice President Abul Bashar Kashu.”

After his death, Babek’s father named 18 in a murder case. The court took cognisance of the charges against the 23 in 2002.

“Sixteen witnesses testified in court,” said Jasmine Ahmed. “After the case was proven in court Justice Quamrunnahar granted the death sentence to all 23 suspects.”

“It is a historic decision,” she said.

Babek’s brother and Araihazar Upazila Vice-Chairman Rafiqul Islam Rafiq expressed his satisfaction with the verdict.

“After 15 long years we have received justice. I call upon the government to enact the sentences quickly.”

“The verdict was not just,” said defence lawyer Khorshed Alam Molla. “We will take our appeal to the higher courts.”