Bangladesh court sentences 23 to death for killing four Awami League activists

A Bangladesh court on Wednesday sentenced to death 23 persons, including a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader for killing four Awami League activists in 2002.

The verdict was pronounced by Second Additional District and Sessions Judge Kamrunnahar.

Of the 23 sentenced to death, 19 persons including, BNP leader Abul Bashar Kashu were present in the court while the remaining four were absconding.

The convicts are Abdul Bashar Kashu, Dalim, Yakub Ali, Rafiq, Halim, Ruhel, Shahabuddin, Liakat Ali Master,Siraj Uddin, Edris Ali , Mohammad Hossain, Abu Kalam, Ahad Ali, Hojir Uddin, Faruk Hossain, Golam, Abdul Hey .

Barek, his cousin Badal, Faruk and Kabir were picked up from their houses on March 12 in 2002. Later, they were tortured and burned to death by the convicts," Dhaka Tribune quoted Narayanganj District Court additional public prosecutor Jasmin Ahmed as saying while confirming the ruling.

Barek was involved with Chhatra League activities while the others were activists of the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party.

-ANI