The convicts who were awarded death penalty are Shariful Islam Tuhin, 34, Bacchu, 35, Aminul Islam, 48, and Abdul Hannan, 38.

The life-term convicts are Yahiya, 37, Mostaque Ahmed, 36, Sulak, 35, Saiful Islam, 38, Nazrul Islam, 37, and Aynul Haque, 39.

They court also ordered each of them to pay a fine of Tk 5000, in default, to suffer six months more rigorous imprisonment.

Of the convicts, Tuhin and Nazrul Islam are absconding.

The convicts swooped on BNP leader Abdul Khaleque, 30, son of Abdur Rahim of Joutgaji village under Ishwardi upazila in Pabna on the premises of Pabna Sugar Mills on August 9, 2003. They sprayed bullets on him.

He was immediately rushed to Pabna Sadar Hospital with critical injuries where doctors declared him dead after a few minutes of admission.

The Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge AFM Aminul Islam handed down the verdict in a crowded courtroom.