High Court Upholds Death Sentences for Two in Nusrat Jahan Rafi Murder Case
Photo Collected
The High Court on Monday upheld the death sentences of two individuals convicted in the high-profile murder case of madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi in Sonagazi, Feni. The ruling, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice K.M. Rashheduzzaman Raja, upheld the capital punishment for Siraj Ud-Doula, the former principal of Sonagazi Islamia Fazil (Degree) Madrasa, and Shahadat Hossain Shamim.
Out of the 16 defendants originally sentenced to death by the trial court, the High Court commuted the sentences of four individuals to life imprisonment, while the remaining 10 were acquitted of all charges. The verdict followed hearings on the death reference, appeals, and jail appeals pertaining to the case.
Following the announcement, Nusrat’s mother, Shirin Akter, expressed satisfaction with the judicial outcome, stating that her daughter’s soul could finally find peace. Speaking to journalists at the family home in Uttar Charchandia, Sonagazi, an emotional Akter recounted the prolonged suffering of the family since the incident. She also voiced deep concerns regarding their ongoing safety, noting that her sons continue to receive threats. She appealed to the Prime Minister for state protection, citing fears of potential arson attacks and uncertainty regarding their future security.
The victim’s elder brother and the plaintiff in the case, Mahmudul Hasan Noman, echoed these concerns. He stated that the family had sought justice from the beginning, but noted that they have been subjected to persistent threats from the families of the convicts and via social media platforms since the initial trial court verdict.
In response to the security concerns, authorities have increased police presence in and around the family’s residence. Abul Hashim, the officer-in-charge of Sonagazi Model Police Station, confirmed that security measures were tightened following a formal request from the victim’s family. Local law enforcement is also monitoring the broader situation to ensure public order. Officials reported that the atmosphere remained calm following the verdict, with no incidents of unrest recorded by late Monday afternoon.
0%
0%
0%
0%
