Chattogram:A court in Chattogram has sentenced Md. Sirajul Islam to life imprisonment with rigorous labor in a case involving the recovery of 450 bottles of Phensedyl. The verdict was delivered in the city's Akbarshah Police Station area by Judge Afroja Yesmin Koli of the Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court (4th Court), Chattogram.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the court found Sirajul Islam guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, based on the testimony of three witnesses. Along with the life sentence, he was fined Taka 10,000, with an additional three months of simple imprisonment should he fail to pay the fine. Sirajul Islam was not present in court during the reading of the verdict, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The case originated on April 30, 2017, when police conducted a vehicle search on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway near the "City Gate" area, stopping a Star Line Paribahan bus from Feni to Chattogram. Sirajul Islam attempted to flee but was apprehended, leading to the discovery of 50 bottles of Phensedyl in his bag. Subsequent information provided by Islam led to the recovery of an additional 400 bottles from the bus's luggage compartment.
Police filed charges against Sirajul Islam and a second accused, Ibrahim, under the Narcotics Control Act. However, Ibrahim was acquitted. The trial proceeded with the submission of a charge sheet and the framing of charges.