Munshiganj expat murder: Three sentenced to death, eight to life

A Dhaka court has sentenced three people to death and eight others to life imprisonment in a case over the 2023 killing of expatriate Shyamal Bepari in Munshiganj Sadar upazila.

Judge Shyam Sundar of Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-3 delivered the verdict this morning (3 March). 

The three convicts sentenced to death are Md Shahadat Bepari, Md Ibrahim Bepari and Md Jahangir Bepari. Each has also been fined Tk25,000, in default of which they will have to serve an additional six months in prison.

The eight convicts sentenced to life imprisonment are Md Monir Chowkidar, Md Hayatul Islam Chowkidar, Md Habib Bepari, Md Ashraful Khan, Md Humayun Dewan, Md Emdad Halnar alias Imran, Md Ayyub Khan and Md Liton Bepari. Each has been fined Tk25,000, with six months of rigorous imprisonment in default of payment.

Public Prosecutor Md Billal Hossain confirmed the details of the verdict and added that the prosecution was satisfied with the verdict and hoped it would be executed swiftly.

Meanwhile, family members of the victim came to the court from Munshiganj Sadar to hear the verdict. They also expressed satisfaction.

The victim's sister, Momtaz Alo, said, "May the verdict of this case be executed quickly. Only then will my brother's soul find peace."

According to the case statement, Shyamal Bepari, 38, was sleeping alone at his house in Purbo Rakhi Sakin under Munshiganj Police Station on 14 June 2023.

At around 1am, the accused – now convicted – called him to open the door. When he did so, they entered the house and, due to prior enmity, shot him in the hands, both legs and head. They then hacked him with sharp weapons, ensuring his death.

Hearing gunshots, locals approached the house. The perpetrators fled while firing blank shots and detonating crude bombs.

The victim's brother, Md Ibrahim Bepari, 36, later filed a murder case with Munshiganj Police Station.

After investigation, Sub-Inspector Lipon Sarkar of Munshiganj Sadar Police Station submitted a charge sheet against 11 people on 17 February 2024.

The court framed charges against the 11 on 14 July 2025 and began the trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides on 16 February, the court initially fixed 24 February for delivering the verdict. As it was not ready, the date was deferred to today.

During the trial, the court recorded the testimonies of 27 out of 33 witnesses.

Another accused, Mohiuddin Bepari, is a minor. A separate case against him was sent to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in Munshiganj district.