The prosecution has expressed dissatisfaction over the verdict delivered in the case involving the killing of six people at Chankharpul in the capital. The prosecution believes that despite the charges being proven, several of the accused received comparatively lenient sentences. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam voiced this reaction immediately after the verdict was announced on Monday (January 26) and clearly stated that an appeal would be filed against the judgment.
Reacting to the verdict, the Chief Prosecutor said that the limited punishment awarded despite the crimes being proven in court is not consistent with justice. He added that the state is not satisfied with the verdict and will challenge it before a higher court.
He further said that Constable Sujon showed signs of excitement while firing shots. Although the court considered the fact that he was a constable at the time and acted on the orders of his superiors, the prosecution believes such behavior indicates the gravity of the crime. For this reason, the punishment should have been more severe.
The Chief Prosecutor also noted that the court ordered the confiscation of the properties of the death-sentenced convicts, describing it as an important message. At the same time, he said the verdict clearly establishes that government officials and employees are not obliged to carry out illegal orders. If unlawful directives are followed, there will be no scope for leniency from the court.
Death Sentences and Prison Terms
A three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict in the case. The tribunal sentenced former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, and former Additional Deputy Commissioner (Ramna) Shah Alam Md. Akhtarul Islam to death.
In addition, former Assistant Commissioner of Ramna Zone Mohammad Imrul was sentenced to six years in prison, former Shahbagh Police Station Inspector Md. Arshad Hossain to four years, and Constables Md. Sujon, Imaz Hossain Imon, and Nasirul Islam to three years’ imprisonment each.
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