9 get life imprisonment for murder of retired army member in Rajshahi

A Rajshahi court has sentenced nine people to life imprisonment for the murder of a retired army member in the district's Godagari upazila over a land dispute last year. 

Rajshahi Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Md Mohiduzzaman announced the verdict this afternoon (8 October).

The convicts are Isahak Ali, 65; Md Hasan, 52; Moni Khatun, 26; Mukta Khatun, 32; Jahid Hasan, 22; Nahid Hasan, 25; Abul Hasnat, 40; Abdul Halim, 28; and Serajul Islam Mia, 30.

Two of the accused have also been fined Tk50,000 each, with an additional six months of imprisonment in case of non-payment of the fine. 

Another convict has been sentenced to life imprisonment with an additional three years under a different charge.

The accused were present in court when the verdict was announced. According to Entajul Haque Babu, the state's attorney, they were later sent to the Rajshahi Central Jail.

"The deceased retired army member, Altaf Hossain, 58, was a resident of Durgapur neighbourhood in Kakanhat municipality. He had a long-standing land dispute with his brother Isahak Ali," he said.

"On 3 May last year, the then mayor of Kakanhat had convened a meeting with both parties to resolve the issue but failed to mediate. After everyone left the municipal office that day, Isahak Ali, along with his son, daughter, and some hired individuals, attacked Altaf Hossain's home," Babu added. 

He said Altaf Hossain was beaten and attacked with sharp weapons, resulting in serious injuries.

Altaf Hossain was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). He died on 6 May while under intensive care at the hospital. 

Following this incident, a murder case was filed by his family. The police later filed charges against ten individuals.

Lawyer Entajul Haque Babu said one of the ten accused had already died. The court sentenced the remaining nine. 

Senior Lawyer Mizanul Islam was also involved in this case in court. Both lawyers expressed satisfaction with the verdict.