The Speedy Trial Tribunal here yesterday sentenced 18 people to life imprisonment for killing a day labourer in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj in 2010.

The lifers are Monirul Islam, Shantajul Islam, Bairul Islam, Ansar Ali, Anwarul Islam, Sadekul Islam, Laddu, Alauddin, Ataur Rahman, Alam, Bakhtiar Ali, Abdul Matin, Jalal Uddin, Bakul, Zia Rahman, Bishu, Alam-2, and Obairul Islam. 

The tribunal also fined the convicts Tk 10,000 each. In default, they are to suffer six months more in prison, said Public Prosecutor Entajul Haque.

Judge Ahmed Khalilur Rahman also acquitted 20 other accused as charges brought against them could not be proved. All the accused were in the dock.

According to the prosecution, Abdul Karim, a day labourer, was killed at Chalkkirti village in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj on August 29, 2010 over a land- related dispute.

A gang led by Bairul and Monirul tried to occupy a piece of land owned by one Naimul Haque of the village on the day. As Naimul's supporter Karim protested, the gang  picked him up from the spot.

They confined Karim to a house at the village and tortured him. Police with help of locals rescued Karim, who succumbed to his injuries on way to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Naimul Haque later filed a murder case, accusing 30 people. After investigation, police pressed charges against 39 people. The case was transferred to the Speedy Trial Tribunal, Rajshahi, on July 7, this year. One of the accused died during the trial.