A Dhaka court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment and another to 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment for the kidnapping and murder of an 11-year-old boy committed 18 years ago in the capital’s Kafrul area. The verdict was delivered on Sunday by the Dhaka Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-4 after an extended judicial process spanning nearly two decades.
According to the prosecution, the victim, Md Shafiqul Islam alias Milon, disappeared on 6 March 2008 from the North Senpara area of Kafrul police station. Shortly after his disappearance, his family received a ransom demand of 200,000 taka. When the ransom was not paid, the abductors strangled the child to death, a fact the court found proven beyond reasonable doubt. His body was subsequently disposed of in a river in Savar in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Following the incident, the victim’s father, Shahidul Islam, filed a murder case with Kafrul Police Station. After investigation, police submitted a charge sheet to the court. The case proceeded through a prolonged trial process, during which testimony from nine witnesses was recorded.
Convictions and Acquittals
In its judgment, the court sentenced three accused persons while acquitting two others due to insufficient evidence. Each convicted individual was also fined, with a provision for additional imprisonment in case of non-payment.
| Accused | Verdict | Fine | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Amin Ghorami | Life imprisonment | Tk 100,000 | 1 year rigorous imprisonment in default |
| Masud Rana | Life imprisonment | Tk 100,000 | 1 year rigorous imprisonment in default |
| Saiful Islam (alias Chhoto Saiful) | 14 years rigorous imprisonment | Tk 100,000 | 1 year rigorous imprisonment in default |
At the time of the verdict, Masud Rana was present in court and was immediately sent to prison custody. The other two convicted individuals remain absconding, and arrest warrants have been issued against them.
Meanwhile, Md Abdul Motaleb (alias Mota) and Amirul Islam (alias Rubel) were acquitted as the prosecution failed to establish the charges against them beyond reasonable doubt.
Lengthy Judicial Process
The case is widely noted for its unusually long duration, taking 18 years to reach a conclusion. Legal observers have described it as an example of the delays often seen in criminal proceedings in Bangladesh, particularly in cases involving serious offences such as abduction and murder.
Throughout the trial, the court examined witness testimonies and documentary evidence, ultimately concluding that the child was abducted for ransom and later killed when payment was not received.
Social and Legal Significance
Child abduction and murder cases continue to raise serious concern in society. Legal experts emphasise the importance of strict enforcement of law and swift judicial processes to deter such crimes. This verdict is being viewed by many as a reaffirmation of judicial accountability, demonstrating that even after significant delays, perpetrators of grave offences can still be brought to justice.
The court’s ruling sends a clear message that crimes committed against children will be dealt with firmly under the law, with no leniency shown towards those found guilty.