2 Sentenced To Life, 3 Acquitted Over Sagira Morshed Murder

In a Dhaka court today, two individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the killing of Sagira Morshed in Siddheshwari, the capital, stemming from a family dispute. Additionally, three others were acquitted as the charges against them could not be proven.

The verdict was delivered by Dhaka Special Sessions Judge Mohammad Ali Hossain on Wednesday, as previously scheduled by Acting Judge Aktaruzzaman of the Special Sessions Judge Court of Dhaka.

The individuals sentenced to life imprisonment are Anas Mahmud, also known as Rezwan, who is the brother-in-law of Hasan Ali Chowdhury, and Maruf Reza. However, Dr. Hasan Ali Chowdhury, his wife Syedatul Mahmuda, alias Shaheen, and Mintu, also known as Montu Mandal, were acquitted by the court.

The incident occurred when Sagira Morshed was on her way to Viqarunnisa Noon School on Bailey Road in the capital to pick up her daughter Saharat. She was shot and killed by assailants when the rickshaw she was riding reached the school premises. Maruf Reza and Anas Mahmud were accused in the case filed by Sagira's husband, Abdus Salam Chowdhury.

Abdus Salam Chowdhury filed a murder case against unidentified individuals with Ramna Police Station on the same day as the incident.

The verdict had been postponed twice previously. During the trial, a total of 17 witnesses provided statements out of a total of 57.

On January 16, 2020, Police Bureau of Investigation (PIB) inspector Rafiqul Islam, the investigating officer of the case, submitted a chargesheet against four individuals to the court.

The chargesheet mentioned that Shaheen, one of the accused, had conflicts with Sagira Morshed's family. Additionally, Sagira had disagreements with Shaheen over educational qualifications, and there was tension between Sagira and Shaheen's mother-in-law. 

On December 2, 2021, Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge KM Imrul Kayesh’s court framed charges against four individuals, including Sagira Morshed’s brother-in-law.