High Court set to deliver verdict in Nusrat murder case today

The High Court is set to deliver its verdict on Monday (August 24) in the much-discussed murder case of madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi, with heightened security reported around her family home in Sonagazi of Feni.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rashed-uz-Zaman Raja will announce its decision on the death reference, appeals and jail appeals filed by the convicts.

Security has been tightened in Sonagazi ahead of the verdict to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order.

Abul Hasim, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sonagazi Model Police Station, said, "Additional police personnel have been deployed around Nusrat's home following a request from her brother, Mahmudul Hasan Noman."

Previously, two police personnel were stationed at the house around the clock. Seven additional officers have now been deployed there.

The High Court's decision will determine whether the death sentences handed down to all 16 convicts by the trial court will be upheld or modified.

"We hope justice will be upheld and that the trial court's verdict will remain unchanged. No accused should be able to escape through legal loopholes," Nusrat's elder brother Noman said.

The High Court concluded hearings in the case on August 20 and fixed August 24 for the verdict. The hearing began with the state presenting the paper book. Deputy Attorney General Syed Ejaz Kabir and Assistant Attorney General Mosammat Rohani Siddika represented the state, while senior lawyers SM Shahjahan, Mohammad Tajul Islam and Mohammad Shishir Monir appeared for the convicts.

The 16 convicts sentenced to death include suspended madrasa principal Siraj Uddoula, former Sonagazi upazila Awami League president Ruhul Amin, former Sonagazi municipality councillor Maksudul Alam, madrasa teacher Hafez Abdul Kader, lecturer Afsar Uddin and several madrasa students and other accused.

Following the trial court's death sentences on October 29, 2019, the case records were sent to the High Court for confirmation of the capital punishment. The death reference was subsequently registered, while the convicts filed separate appeals and jail appeals.

Nusrat, a student of Sonagazi Islamia Fazil (Degree) Madrasa, was set on fire on April 6, 2019, after being taken to the madrasa roof. She died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital four days later, on April 10. The killing triggered widespread protests and demands for justice across the country.