A Dhaka court has sentenced three men to death and five others to life imprisonment for the 2021 murder of three people during a dispute in Munshiganj district.

Dhaka’s Speedy Trial Tribunal-3, led by Judge Masud Karim, delivered the verdict on Thursday (May 8).

The court, however, acquitted 10 others, citing a lack of evidence to prove their involvement beyond reasonable doubt.

Those sentenced to death are Sourav Pradhan, Roni Bepari, and Shihab Pradhan. The five handed life terms are Shakib Pradhan, Shamim Pradhan, Anik Bepari, Raihan, and Chhota Jahangir. Among them, Shihab, Shakib, and Shamim are siblings.

The case stems from a deadly altercation on March 24, 2021, in the North Islampur area of Munshiganj. 

A dispute between two groups of teenagers led to an arbitration meeting that evening, where Md Emon Hossain (22), Md Shakib Hossain (19), and Mintu Pradhan (40) were fatally stabbed.

Two days later, Mintu’s wife, Khaleda Akhter, filed a case naming 12 individuals and accusing 10 to 15 others of involvement.

Following the verdict, Akhter expressed dissatisfaction, vowing to continue her legal battle. “We have not received justice. I will fight for my husband’s murder as long as I live,” she said.

State prosecutor Billal Hossain also voiced disappointment and confirmed plans to appeal to the High Court.

SMS/