A court on Tuesday sentenced 23 people to life imprisonment in connection with a murder case related to political violence during an election in Baufal upazila of Patuakhali in 2016.
Judge Md. Enamul Karim of the Patuakhali Additional District and Sessions Judge Court pronounced the judgment.
As per the case details, on March 20, 2016, during Kalishuri Union Parishad election the accused attacked the residence of Saidur Rahman Sohel Mallik, an agent of the Awami League-supported chairman candidate.
Sohel’s father Abdul Wahab Mallik sustained serious injuries and died the following day at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal.
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Later Sohel Mallik filed a murder case with the Baufal police station and police submitted a charge sheet in 2018.
Saidur Rahman Sohel Mallik said, "After a long time, we have received justice for my father's murder. I thank the judiciary. Now, my father's soul will find peace."
Public Prosecutor (APP) Advocate Md. Farid Hossain said this judgment has proven that no criminal can escape the law. “From the state’s side, we have been able to ensure justice."
However, the families of the accused said verdict is biased and politically influenced.
They claimed the real criminals are still at large and they will appeal to the higher court.