A Dhaka court on Sunday sentenced two men to death for the planned murder of Tejgaon College student Ikram Hossain Mollah, 22, in the capital’s Khilkhet area.
Judge Md Sabbir Foyez of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court delivered the verdict, handing capital punishment to Md Siddiq and Md Shanto Mia.
In addition to the death sentence, the court handed each convict seven years of rigorous imprisonment for concealing the victim’s body and imposed a fine of Tk50,000. In default of payment, they will have to serve an additional three months of simple imprisonment.
Md Siddiq was present in court when the judgement was announced, while Md Shanto Mia remains absconding. The court issued arrest warrants, including a death reference warrant, against the fugitive.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on the night of May 4, 2023. Ikram, a student of Tejgaon College, was allegedly called out of his home by the accused under the pretext of repaying borrowed money.
He was later taken to a secluded area between Patira and Dumni under Khilkhet, where he was killed. The body was subsequently concealed in a nearby ditch. Police recovered the body on May 6, two days after the incident.
Following the recovery, the victim’s father, Md Kabir Hossain Mollah, filed a murder case with Khilkhet Police Station. After investigation, police submitted a charge sheet against the two accused on November 26, 2023. Charges were formally framed on February 29, 2024.
During the trial, the court examined 17 witnesses out of 27 listed by the prosecution. Based on witness testimonies, confessional statements, and other evidence, the court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt and awarded the maximum penalty.
Prosecutors said the verdict reflects the court’s firm stance against planned murder and attempts to destroy evidence.
MAL/AM
