The High Court (HC) upheld the death sentences of former Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Pradeep Kumar Das and former Inspector Liaqat Ali in retired army officer Major Sinha Md Rashed Khan murder case, reports the Daily Sun.
The bench of Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md Sagir Hossain delivered the verdict on Monday after concluding hearings on the death references and appeals filed by the convicts challenging the Cox’s Bazar trial court’s verdict.
Besides, the High Court also confirmed life sentences for six other convicts and maintained the Tk 50,000 fine imposed on each by the lower court.
Case background
Major (retd) Sinha Md Rashed Khan, a former officer of the Special Security Force, was shot dead at a police checkpoint in Shamlapur, Baharchhara on Marine Drive Road in Teknaf on the night of 31 July 2020. The shooting was carried out by then Inspector Liaqat Ali, while OC Pradeep was accused of orchestrating the entire event.
Five days after the incident, Major Sinha’s sister, Sharmin Shahriar Ferdous, filed a murder case at the Cox’s Bazar court. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) later took over the investigation and submitted a charge sheet on 13 December 2020, naming 15 accused and categorising the killing as a "planned murder."
On 31 January 2022, Cox’s Bazar District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Ismail delivered the initial verdict. OC Pradeep and Inspector Liaqat were sentenced to death, while Sub-Inspector Nandadulal Rakshit and Constables Rubel Sharma and Sagar Deb received life imprisonment. Three civilians—Md Nurul Amin, Md Ayaz, and Md Nizam Uddin—were also sentenced to life in prison. Seven others were acquitted.
The death reference reached the High Court on 8 February 2022 for mandatory review. The convicts also filed appeals challenging the verdict.
Courtroom proceedings and response
Deputy Attorney General Md Jasim Sarkar confirmed that the full text of the High Court’s verdict will provide further details on the court’s reasoning. The prosecution was represented by Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Deputy Attorney General Shamima Dipti, and Assistant Attorney Generals Barrister Sumaiya Aziz and Laboni Akter.
The case, dubbed one of the most high-profile custodial killings in recent memory, has become a symbol of alleged police excesses and abuse of power in Bangladesh. Legal experts and human rights activists have welcomed the High Court’s decision, saying it sets a precedent for accountability within the law enforcement system.
The verdict now awaits the release of its full text, following which the convicts may pursue appeals in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
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