4 to die, 4 get life for murder in Patuakhali

STT Judge Ma Matin pronounced the verdict at a crowded courtroom in absence of six of the convicts.

They were convicted for killing Sikander Howlader, 30, at Kalikapur in Patuakhali town at about 1 PM on January 4, 2001. They had hacked him with sharp weapons in presence of many people. Howlader died at hospital on the same day.

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The persons given death sentence are Abul Hossain Mridha, Delwar Hassain, Monir Mridha and Golam Mawla. Those given life term include Abul Kashem Mridha, Earook Mridha, Md Khokon and Abdul Majid Mridha. All except Abul Kashem Mridha and Abdul Majid Mridha are absconding. The two were in the dock when the verdict was announced.

Howlader's wife Rani Begum field a case with Kotwali thana on Janaury 5, 2001 accusing 13 people.

Twenty-three prosecution witnesses were examined during the trial, court sources said.