Death penalty for 5 in bogura`s sensational rifat murder case

After a long eight-year wait, the verdict has been announced in the sensational case involving the abduction and brutal murder of an eight-year-old child, Rifat Hossain, in Shahjahanpur, Bogura.

On Sunday afternoon (June 21), Judge Md. Anwarul Haq of the Bogura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-1 and Children's Court-1 delivered the judgment in a crowded courtroom. The court sentenced five defendants to death and ordered 10-year detentions for five others who were minors at the time of the crime.

According to the case records, Rifat Hossain, the son of expatriate Enamul Haque from the Khadas Hatkhola area of Shahjahanpur upazila, was abducted on July 15, 2018.

The mastermind behind the incident, a neighbor named Abul Kalam Azad, had previously asked Enamul Haque for a loan of 100,000 BDT. Enraged by Enamul's refusal to lend the money, the suspects planned the abduction. Three days later, on July 18, police recovered the child's semi-decomposed body from under a bridge in Poalgacha village.

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Rifat's father, Enamul Haque, filed a case at the Shahjahanpur Police Station naming 11 individuals. Following the investigation, police submitted a charge sheet against all 11. One accused, Masud Rana, passed away during the trial and was exempted from the case.

In addition to the death penalty, each was fined 200,000 BDT. The court also handed down life imprisonment and varying terms of fines for abduction and concealing evidence.

The other five defendants, identified as children in conflict with the law at the time of the offense, were sentenced to 10 years of detention each under the 'Children Act, 2013'.

ajib Hasan, Mofizul Islam alias Bachchu Mia, Jahid Hasan, Borhan Ali, and Bayezid Hossain.

Although they are currently over 26 years old, they were minors when the crime occurred. Following the announcement, the court ordered them to be sent to the Bogura District Jail.

"Alhamdulillah, after a long wait, we have received the desired justice. I am highly satisfied with this verdict. Our only wish now is for the High Court to uphold this verdict and execute it swiftly. Let this exemplary punishment send a message to society so that no other parent's arms are emptied like this." Enamul Haque, victim's father said.

The state prosecutor (PP), Md. Ali Asgor, also expressed satisfaction, calling the verdict a milestone for the country's legal system. He stated that the prosecution successfully proved the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt through confessional statements, witness testimonies, and circumstantial evidence.