In Narayanganj’s Araihazar area, a court has sentenced four individuals to life imprisonment for the abduction and murder of 23-year-old Bhojon Chandra Das. In addition to the life term, each convict was fined 50,000 taka, with a further two years’ rigorous imprisonment imposed in case of non-payment.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, 20 January, by Senior District and Sessions Judge Abu Shamim Azad. Court Police Inspector Md. Abdus Samad (PPM) confirmed the details of the ruling.
The convicts are identified as:
| Name | Parentage | Area | Status at Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sojal Barman | Son of Narayan Barman | Duptra, Araihazar | Fugitive |
| Sanjit Barman | Son of Pagol Chan Barman | Duptra, Araihazar | Fugitive |
| Ruma (Aynal Haque’s daughter) | Daughter of Aynal Haque | Nandalalpur, Fatulla | Fugitive |
| Ruma (Kader’s daughter) | Daughter of Kader | Nandalalpur, Fatulla | Fugitive |
According to court records, the crime dates back to 13 April 2017, when Bhojon Chandra Das, son of Foni Chandra Das from Madhabdi in Narsingdi, was kidnapped and a ransom of 20,000 taka was demanded. Despite the family paying the ransom, the abductors murdered Bhojon Chandra Das on 16 April 2017, following a premeditated plan, and attempted to conceal the body by burying it underground.
Subsequent police investigations enabled authorities to identify the four suspects. A case had been formally filed at the Araihazar Police Station by Bhojon Chandra Das’s father. The case proceeded through the judicial system for several years, culminating in the court’s life imprisonment verdict on Tuesday.
The court’s decision highlights the severity of kidnapping and premeditated murder offences under Bangladeshi law. Legal experts emphasise that strict sentencing not only serves justice for the victim and their family but also acts as a deterrent to organised crime and violent offences in local communities.
Although all four convicts were absent at the time of the ruling, the authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to locate and apprehend them. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing need for vigilance in rural and semi-urban areas to ensure community safety.