2013 violence: 15 BNP leaders, activists jailed 6 months

Court decision

A Dhaka court today sentenced 15 leaders and activists of BNP and its front organizations to six months' imprisonment in a case filed over the political violence of 2013 in the capital.

Former ward Councilor of Dhaka City Corporation Md Mohon and Jubo Dal's Central Committee organizing Secretary Ishaq Ali Sarker were among the convicts.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sultan Sohag Uddin of Dhaka declared the verdict in the presence of two accused- Faizuddin Ilias Faizul and Yakub who were in the courtroom.

The other convicts were absent, and they were taking steps through their lawyers for different reasons.

Before pronouncement of the verdict, the court rejected their bails, declared them fugitives, and came up with the verdict.

The court also issued conviction warrants against the fugitives and directed the Officer-in-Charge of Bangshal Police Station to comply the order of the court.

Besides, the court exempted 47 others as their involvement with the incident was not proved the trial process.

The punishment of the fugitives will be effective from the day of their arrest or surrender to the court, said the court in his judgment.

Earlier, the prosecution and the defense completed their arguments and the court recorded statements of 16 prosecution witnesses, including complainant of the case.

According to the case docket, a group of people led by Mohon and Ishaq gathered in front of Nawab Yusuf Super Market in the city’s Bangshal area around 10:30 am on November 27 of 2013 at a political programme. Later, they blasted crude bombs, torched vehicles and assaulted policemen and obstructed them from discharging their duties.

Following the incident, police filed a case against Mohon, Ishaq and 63 others with Bangshal Police Station in connection with the incident.

After investigation, police submitted the charge sheet of the case against Mohon, Ishaq, Yakub and 59 others on April 27 of 2014. - Special Correspondent