Dhaka: A Dhaka court on Tuesday sentenced three individuals to death and six others, including a former Union Parishad chairman, to life imprisonment for the murder of a village doctor in 2019. Judge Rahibul Islam of the Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 delivered the verdict.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the convicted individuals facing the death penalty are Babul Sardar, Tekon Sardar, and Gaziar Sardar, all from Goalanda upazila in Rajbari district. Those sentenced to life imprisonment include former Debgram Union Parishad chairman Ator Ali, along with Raihan Sardar, Habibur Rahman alias Hobi Sardar, Helal Khan, Zillur Rahman, and Zia Mandal.
The court tried seven of the convicts in absentia, issuing arrest warrants for them, while Zillur Rahman and Zia Mandal were present during the proceedings. The prosecution detailed that Babul Sardar, a Jubo League leader and the son of Ator Ali, had a confrontation with Hafizul Islam Babul Sardar, a former chairman of Debgram Union Parishad, during an Awami League council meeting in Goalanda upazila on October 14, 2019.
The conflict escalated when supporters of Babul Sardar, led by Ator Ali, positioned themselves at Ali Bazar intersection and attacked Hafizul Chairman’s supporters. Rezaul Karim alias Abu, known as a doctor, was severely beaten by Babul Sardar’s supporters while passing through the area, resulting in critical injuries.
Rezaul Karim was transported to a local hospital and subsequently referred to Faridpur Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A case was filed concerning the incident, leading the police to submit a chargesheet against 22 individuals on October 5, 2022.
After reviewing records and witness testimonies, the court acquitted 12 individuals due to insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.