Convict’s death penalty commuted to life in prison

The High Court yesterday commuted the death sentence of a convict to life imprisonment in a case filed over the murder of Barishal University (BU) student Saoda Begum in 2013.

Saoda (18), a first-year student of the university, died after being attacked by Russel Mia, a former student of BU, on September 5, 2013.

Shahida Begum, mother of Saoda, filed the murder case with Kotwali Police Station in Barishal city, accusing Russel.

Following the incident, the university authorities expelled Russell, who was romantically involved with Saoda. On June 1, 2015, the district and sessions judge's court of Barishal sentenced him to death.Russell (20) then filed an appeal with the HC, challenging the trial court's verdict.

After holding hearing and examining the appeal and death reference of the case, the HC bench of Justice Krishna Debnath and Justice ASM Abdul Mobin commuted the death penalty to life imprisonment.

The HC commuted the sentence considering Russell's "tender age and emotional disturbance", Mohammad Shishir Manir, lawyer for the convict, told The Daily Star.

The lawyer said Russell, now in condemn cell of Barishal jail, will have to serve 22.5 years with remission facilities in the normal cell of the jail following the HC verdict.

Lawyer Khandker Mahbub Hossain also appeared for Russell.