Gaibandha: A court here has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for killing his mother-in-law in Gobindaganj upazila of the district in 2007. The court also fined convict Biraj Ali, 50, son of Foim Uddin of Bogdah Pulpara village in Gobindaganj upazila, Taka 10,000, in default, to suffer six months more in jail. Additional Public Prosecutor Masudur Rahman Biswas confirmed the matter this morning. Additional District and Sessions Judge-1 of Gaibandha Mollah Saiful Alam pronounced the verdict on Wednesday afternoon in presence of the convict.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Biraj Ali married Dulali Begum, daughter of Dudu Mia and Mahmuda Begum of Chak Shibpur village in the same upazila, in 1999. Dulali left her husband's home in 2007 and moved to her father's house with her two children due to torture by her husband, who was addicted to drugs. To support the family, Mahmuda Begum worked as a domestic help at a villager's house, while Dulali also took up domestic work in another household. Biraj Ali later tried to bring his wife back home, but Dulali refused.
On the night of May 14, 2007, Mahmuda and Dulali were returning home together after work. When they reached Chak Shibpur village, Biraj Ali and two to three unidentified accomplices, who had been lying in wait, intercepted them and attempted to forcibly take Dulali away. When Mahmuda resisted, Biraj Ali stabbed her in the chest and ribs. Hearing their screams, local people rushed to the spot, prompting the attackers to flee. Mahmuda was subsequently admitted to Gobindaganj Upazila Health Complex, where she died later that night while undergoing treatment.
The following day, May 15, the victim's brother Shahidul Islam filed a murder case with Gobindaganj Police Station. After examining the witnesses and evidence for a long period, the court convicted Biraj Ali and handed down the punishment.