BANGLADESH: SIX TO HANG FOR AHSANULLAH MASTER MURDER

June 15, 2016: The High Court upheld death penalty for six people and life term for two accused on charge of killing former parliament member Ahsanullah Master in Gazipur's Tongi in 2004.
The six death row convicts are Nurul Islam Sarker, Nurul Islam Dipu, Mahbubur Rahman Mahbub, Shahidul Islam Sipu, Hafiz alias Kana Hafiz and Sohag alias Shuru.
The HC upheld life terms of Tipu and Nurul Amin.
The High Court bench, comprising justice Obaidul Hasan and justice Krishna Debnath, commuted death penalty of seven accused to life terms.
They are Mohammad Ali, Syed Ahmed Hossain Majnu, Anwar Hossain alias Anu, Ratan Mia alias Baro Mia Ratan, Jahangir alias Chhoto Jahangir (1), Abu Salam alias Salam and Mashiur Rahman alias Monu.
A total of 11 people were acquitted in the murder case. Of them, seven death row convicts - Amir Hossain, Jahangir alias Baro Jahangir, Faisal, Rony Mia alias Rony Fakir, Khokon, Lokman, and Dulal Mia - were acquitted by the High Court, while four lifers - Monir, Rakib Uddin Sarkar alias Pappu, Aiyub Ali and Jahangir - were also acquitted of the murder charge.
In 2005, a speedy Trial Tribunal sentenced 22 to death and awarded life term to six accused for the murder of Awami League leader Ahsanullah master. Seventeen of the convicts are in prison while nine others are absconding. 
Two of the death row convicts, Al Amin and Ratan alias Chhoto Ratan, died.
Hearing on the appeal against the verdict began in January this year, which concluded in June. (Sources: en.prothom-alo.com, 16/06/2016)