Nusrat murder verdict hailed

Expressing satisfaction over the verdict in Feni madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi murder case, different rights bodies, political parties, and socio-cultural organisations yesterday urged the authorities concerned to quickly execute the verdict. 

In a press statement, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Nasima Begum demanded early implementation of the verdict. 

“Such a verdict is a warning for those who conduct violence against women,” she said.     

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government was satisfied at the verdict as the trial of the case was completed at an “incredible speed”.

Oikya Nap President Pankaj Bhattacharya and General Secretary Asadullah Tarek, in a press release, said such a swift announcement of verdict is a good illustration of establishing rule of law in the country. 

They also demanded early execution of the verdict.  

Sammilita Samajik Andolon (SSA), a platform against communalism and militancy, issued a press statement saying this verdict reflects the sincerity of authorities concerned to prevent violence against women and it will bring satisfaction to the countrymen. 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, however, expressed anger over the verdict as the police officials were exempted from charges in this case.

“It proves that this government are dependent on police,” he told journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following his return from Australia. 

Earlier on the day, a tribunal in Feni sentenced 16 people to death for their involvement in Nusrat murder.

Nusrat was set on fire on April 6 on the roof of a madrasah by a group of people loyal to Sirajuddoula, whom she had accused of sexually harassing her. 

Nusrat succumbed to her injuries four days later at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.