A Bogura court today (Oct 10, 2022) sentenced 11 people including a UP chairman to life term imprisonment in connection with the killing of the worker of the defeated candidate in the attack by the winning candidate and supporters of the Union Parishad (UP) election in the district in 2003, BSS reports.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-1 of Bogura announced the verdict this afternoon.
The convicts who were sentenced to life imprisonment are - Chairman of Shekerkola Union Parishad of Bogura Sadar Upazila and President of the Union unit of BNP Md Rashidul Islam alias Rashid Mridha, Ujjal Akand, Sabuj Akand, Abdul Mannan, Jewel Prang, Pilu Khandkar, Biplab Mia, Russell Mia, Mokhleshar Rahman Mukul, Hamid Khoka Akand and Jahedul Rahman. Among them, three people Jewel Prang, Biplab Mia and Russell Mia were absconding.
According to the statement of the case and the court sources, on February 9, 2003, polling was held in the Shekerkola UP elections in Bogura Sadar. BNP leader Rashidul Islam Mridha became the chairman in the vote. After winning the election, on February 11, Rashidul Mridha took out a victory procession with activists and supporters.
The victim Shahjahan Ali, an activist of the defeated candidate, confronted Rashidul in the village of Dakshinbhag of Shekerkola Union. At that time, Rashidul accused him of not voting and threatened to find out. At one stage, the workers-supporters of the winning candidate attacked Shahjahan with rods and sticks and severely injured him.
Later, the family members rescued him and admitted to Bogura Mohammad Ali Hospital in critical condition. He died while undergoing treatment in the early morning of February 13 of the same year.
The victim's brother filed a case against 12 people at Bogura Sadar police station.
Police submitted a charge sheet accusing 12 persons.
After examining the record and witnesses, the court found 11 people guilty and one person was acquitted.
Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) advocate Nasimul Karim Holi confirmed the matter.