Dhaka, Jan 26 (V7N) — The state has expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict delivered in the Chankharpul murder case, where six people were killed in the capital on August 5, 2024. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam announced on Monday that the prosecution will appeal against the verdict, citing inadequate punishment for several convicted individuals.

Reacting immediately after the judgment was announced, Tajul Islam said, “We are dissatisfied with the limited sentences given to those whose crimes were proven in court. These sentences are not in line with justice, and we will challenge them through appeal.”

He explained that although evidence showed constable Sujan Hossain fired shots with visible excitement, the court considered his position as a lower-ranking officer who was acting under orders from superiors, and therefore imposed a reduced sentence. However, the Chief Prosecutor emphasized that the tribunal’s ruling clearly establishes that government officials and employees are not bound to carry out illegal orders, and compliance with such orders does not grant immunity in court.

The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of assets belonging to the three convicts sentenced to death.

Earlier on Monday, the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, sentenced former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, and former Ramna ADC Shah Alam Md. Akhtarul to death for their roles in the killings.

Additionally, police officer Mohammad Imrul was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, Shahbagh Police Station OC Arshad Hossain to four years, and constables Sujan Hossain, Nasirul Islam, and Imaz Hossain to three years each.

The verdict was delivered by the three-member tribunal, which concluded that senior police officials failed to prevent the killings despite having the authority and responsibility to do so.

END/SMA/AJ