Security Beefed Up in Barguna ahead of Rifat Murder Verdict

Security in the Barguna court area, including the district and Upazila cities, has been strengthened ahead of the sensational Rifat Sharif murder case verdict. 

Judge Md Ashaduzzaman of the Barguna District and Sessions Judge The Court is scheduled to deliver a verdict against the 10 adults accused in the case on 30 September.

The police have been alerted to the verdict in Barguna since last night. Protection checkpoints have been set up in crucial areas of the district. Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Police Detective Branch are also patrolling the area.

"We are fully prepared to tackle any situation," said the additional superintendent of police (Headquarters), adding that, "We have taken up stringent security measures across the district, especially in the court premises.

"No vehicle is allowed enter the court site except for the government vehicles," he added.

Advocate Bhuban Chandra Haldar, public prosecutor of Barguna District and Sessions Judge's Court, said, "People from all over the country are waiting for the Rifat murder case verdict. The prosecution has been able to present evidence in court against the accused. We are hopeful that all accused will get the maximum punishment".

Rifat's wife Minni, one of the chief defendants in the case, was one of the early birds who had arrived at the court premises, accompanied by her father.

Rifat Sharif was hacked to death in front of Barguna Government College in broad daylight on 26 June last year. His wife Minni was on the spot when the incident took place.

The police sent two charge sheets to the same court on 1 September of the same year, accusing 14 juveniles and 10 adults in the case.

Of the accused adults, only Minni was granted bail by the High Court, which expired on 16 September.