A Satkhira court on Tuesday sentenced four people, including former MP and BNP leader Habibul Islam Habib, to life term imprisonment and 44 others to 7 years’ jail in two separate cases filed over the attack on then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina's motorcade in Satkhira in 2002.
Among the convicts, Habibul Islam Habib, Abdul Quader Bachchu and Ronju were sentenced to life term imprisonment in an arms case and Habiul Islam Habib, Abdul Quader Bachchu, Ronju and Ripon were sentenced to life term jail in an explosives case.
The court sentenced the remaining 44 accused to seven years jail in the two cases.
Satkhira Special Tribunal-3 Judge Bishwanath Mandal pronounced the judgement around 10:30am.
A total of 35 accused, including former BNP lawmaker Habibul Islam Habib, were present at the court. Of the total 50 accused, two have already died and 13 are absconding.
Satkhira Judge Court's PP Adv Abdul Latif, GP Adv Shambhunath Singh, Additional PP Adv. Fahimul Haque Kislu, High Court lawyer Adv. Mohammad Hossain represented the state while Barrister Aminul Islam, Adv Shahanara Akter Bakul and Adv Abdul Majid stood for the convicts.
On August 30, 2002, incumbent Prime Minister and then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina's convoy came under attack as she was returning to Magura after visiting a freedom fighter's wife in Satkhira's Kalaroa.
Although Sheikh Hasina survived the attack relatively unscathed, at least 12 people, including Awami League leaders and journalists, were injured, according to the case statement.
On February 4, 2021, Satkhira Chief Judicial Magistrate Court sentenced the BNP leader and other accused to 4 to 10 years jail in another case over the attack.
