BANGLADESH. MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR MURDER OF WIFE

October 27, 2005: the Noakhali district court, Bangladesh, sentenced to death Arifur Rahman for murdering his young wife after failing to obtain dowry from her parents at Char Bata, Subarna Char district. The judge handed down the death penalty to Rahman who broke down in tears on the dock after hearing the verdict pronounced in a crowded court.
According to the prosecution, had been pressing for dowry since his marriage with Joystna Begum Beauty, but her poor parents could not meet his demand. She was subjected to repeated mental and physical torture. On November 9, 2003 Arif strangulated Beauty to death in her bed. The body was then set on fire to give the impression she had died in an accident. (Sources: United News of Bangladesh Limited, 27/10/2005)