8 get life for killing JP leader Saleh

The eight convicted are Faruque Molla, Anis Molla, Insan Shaikh, Palash, Masud Khan, Abdullah Nikari, Mustafizur Rahman and Habibur Rahman. Only Anis Molla, a Jubo League leader, was present in the court when verdict was pronounced. Others are absconding.

Twelve others were acquitted.

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JP leader Saleh Ahmed was killed in a bomb attack on the third day of 60-hour countrywide hartal on November 11, 1998, called by BNP-led four-party alliance, then in the opposition. Shahabuddin Ahmed, elder brother of Saleh Ahmed filed a case with Phultala thana on November 12, naming 18 persons.

The FIR-named accused included Jalil Molla, Joint Secretary of Phultala upazilla unit of Jubo League.

The complainant of the case who is also a leader of Phultala Awami League, had stated in the FIR that Saleh Ahmed was killed for protesting anti-hartal procession brought out by Jubo League and led by Jalil Molla.

Jalil Molla was later expelled from Jubo League. He was was killed by unidentified men on February 23 in 2001. His dead body was recovered from Benapukur village under Phultala thana.

Sub Inspector Mashiur Rahman who investigated the case submitted chargesheet accusing 20 people.

The court cross-examined 15 prosecution witnesses during trial.