11 BNP activists sentenced to 7 years’ RI in explosives case

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A Dhaka court today sentenced 11 BNP leaders and activists to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment (RI) each in a case filed under the Explosive Substances Act filed in 2013.

The convicts are- Dhaka North Jubo Dal unit former President SM Jahangir, SI Tutul, Abdul Awal, Mohammad Monir Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Monir Hossain, Nasim Ahmed Apu, Ashraful Islam, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Engineer Fakhrul Islam and Md Shahin.

Judge Mamunur Rahman Siddiqui of the Metropolitan Special Tribunal-10 of Dhaka delivered the verdict in presence of Jahangir at the courtroom.

The court issued conviction arrests against the other 10 convicts who are on the run. The court acquitted 62 accused as charges against them were not proved.

The punishment of the convicts will be effective from the day of their arrest or surrender before the court, said the court. Defense lawyer Sayed Nazrul Islam expressed his dissatisfaction over the verdict.

He told the media, ‘Nineteen witnesses, who testified in the court, did not mention the name of his client, Jahangir. But he was given punishment’ ‘We will challenge the verdict with the higher court’ he added.

On November 26, 2013, police filed a case with Uttara East Police Station, accusing 73 BNP leaders and activists including Jahangir. On April 20, 2014, police pressed charges against them.

According to the case statement, the accused illegally gathered in front of Azampur Rail Gate area in the capital's Uttara and blasted crude bombs during a blockade called by BNP led alliance around 8:30 am on November 26 of 2013. - Special Correspondent