Another year over, verdict in case yet to be executed

Verdict in Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) president and freedom fighter Kazi Aref Ahmed murder case could not be executed 15 years into the killing as the appeal hearing of the case remains pending with the Appellate Division.
Kazi Aref along with four leaders of JSD Kushtia district unit was killed by an armed gang at a rally at Kalidaspur village under Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia on February 16.1999.
The four other slain leaders were JSD Kushtia unit president Lokman Hossain, general secretary Yakub Ali, local JSD leaders Shamser Ali and Israil Hossain.
The then additional district and sessions judge of Kushtia Fazlur Rahman pronounced the verdict in the case on August 30, 2004, sentencing 10 people to death and 12 others to life imprisonment.
Those awarded death penalty are Iliys Hossain, Sahir Uddin, Baker, Mannan Mollah, Anwar Hossain, Rasedul Islam Jhantu, Jahan Ali, Jalal, Safayat Hossain, and Roushan.
Of them, Mannan Mollah, Jahan, Jalal and Baker have been absconding while Roushan was killed in a 'shootout' with police on August 27, 2006.
Those sentenced to life imprisonment are Nuruzzaman Laltu, Rofat, Asgar, Mohit, Faraz, Tashar and Garesh Sardar, Majid, Mahtab, Oliur, Akubbar and Tikka.
Of the lifers, Mahtab, Oliur and Akubbar are still at large while Mohit was killed in 'crossfire' with police on February 12, 2005.
On August 5, 2008, a High Court bench upheld the lower court verdict. After the High Court judgment, an appeal petition was filed with the Supreme Court. Hearing on the petition still remains pending with the court.
Meanwhile, JSD Kushtia unit will pay homage to their slain leaders today (Sunday) by holding different programmes. The programmes include silent procession, rally and discussion meeting.