A Faridpur court has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to a man found guilty of killing his wife over a dowry dispute. The Faridpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal announced the verdict on Thursday, 12 March, condemning 33-year-old Ahad Sheikh for the murder of his 25-year-old wife, Rubaiya Begum.
In addition to the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of 50,000 taka. Should the fine remain unpaid, Ahad Sheikh will face an additional year of imprisonment. Following the verdict, he was taken under police escort to the district jail.
Details of the Incident
Ahad Sheikh, a resident of Ballabhdi village in Saltha Upazila, married Rubaiya Begum of Kagdi village in Madhardia Union, also in Saltha Upazila, in 2015. The couple had one daughter.
According to the charge sheet, three years after their marriage, Ahad demanded a dowry of 300,000 taka to facilitate his travel to Saudi Arabia. Rubaiya’s family paid 100,000 taka, but could not meet the remaining 200,000 taka. On 1 August 2018, when the balance was not provided, Ahad allegedly assaulted Rubaiya and poisoned her, leading to her death.
Rubaiya’s mother, 54-year-old Romesha Begum, filed a case at Saltha Police Station against Ahad Sheikh, his mother, and three brothers under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
The case was investigated by Inspector Md. Aminuzzaman of the Faridpur District CID. Based on his findings, a charge sheet was submitted on 23 June 2019, naming Ahad Sheikh and his two brothers, Mohammad Sheikh (38) and Mahim Sheikh (34), as accused.
During the trial, the prosecution presented sufficient evidence to prove Ahad Sheikh’s guilt, while his brothers were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Public prosecutor Golam Rabbani commented: “This case is a stark reminder of the societal dangers of dowry. Such practices are intolerable, and today’s verdict ensures justice for the victim and sends a clear message against dowry-related violence.”
Summary of the Case
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Rubaiya Begum (25) |
| Accused | Ahad Sheikh (33) |
| Other Accused | Mohammad Sheikh (38), Mahim Sheikh (34), mother |
| Marriage Year | 2015 |
| Children | One daughter |
| Dowry Demand | 300,000 taka (100,000 paid) |
| Date of Murder | 1 August 2018 |
| Verdict Date | 12 March 2026 |
| Court | Faridpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment + 50,000 taka fine |
| Acquittals | Two brothers and mother |
The tribunal’s verdict has been hailed as a significant step towards combating dowry-related crimes in Faridpur and reinforcing the rule of law against social injustices.