Nusrat’s mother satisfied with verdict, seeks family security

The High Court has upheld the death sentence of two accused in the murder case of madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi of Sonagazi in Feni while awarding life imprisonment to four others and acquitting 10.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja delivered the verdict after concluding the hearing on the death reference, appeals and jail appeals of the accused on Monday (August 24).

Siraj Uddoula and Shahadat Hossain Shamim are the two accused whose death sentences have been upheld. Umme Sultana Popi, Mohammad Nuruddin, Shahadat Hossain Jabed and Iftekhar Hossain Rana have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mohammad Shamim, Ruhul Amin, Afsar Uddin, Maksud Councilor, Hafez Abdul Kader, Abdur Rahim Sharif, Imran Hossain Mamun, Mohiuddin Shakil, Kamrun Nahar Moni and another accused have been acquitted.

Shirin Akhtar, mother of Nusrat, expressed satisfaction after the verdict. She said the pain of losing Nusrat still haunts them. They received justice in the trial court and she is also satisfied with the High Court verdict.

Shirin Akhtar, however, said she remains worried about the security of other family members after losing Nusrat. She informed that the family members are currently living in insecurity and demanded that the government ensure their security.

Mahmudul Hasan, plaintiff of the case and elder brother of Nusrat, also expressed satisfaction over the High Court verdict. He said their family has been living in anxiety and insecurity since the murder of Nusrat.

Nusrat Jahan Rafi, a student of Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, was burned to death on April 6, 2019, creating a nationwide stir. After a long legal process, the High Court verdict has upheld the death sentence, awarded life imprisonment and granted acquittal.

Local residents said the horrific memory of Nusrat’s murder still remains in their minds. They said exemplary punishment of the criminals along with ensuring a safe environment in educational institutions is essential to prevent such incidents in future.

Abul Hashem, Officer-in-Charge of Sonagazi Model Police Station, said additional police have been deployed at their house since yesterday for the security of Nusrat’s family. Police will always stand by the family for their security.