Families of six victims killed in Kushtia during the July uprising express dissatisfaction over 10-year sentence
Prosecution to Appeal for Maximum Penalty Against Inu in Supreme Court as Victims’ Families Demand Justice
Hasanul Haq Inu | File Picture
The prosecution is set to file an appeal with the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division this week, seeking an enhancement of the 10-year prison sentence handed to Hasanul Haq Inu, President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASD), for crimes against humanity.
Speaking at a press briefing on the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) premises on Sunday (October 4), Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed that all preparations for filing the appeal have been finalized.
On June 30, a three-member bench of ICT-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, sentenced Inu to 10 years in prison and ordered him to pay BDT 200,000 in compensation to the victims across two counts.
Inu was found guilty on three of eight specific charges (Charges 3, 6, and 7). Although sentenced to 10 years for each count, the sentences will run concurrently. He was acquitted of the remaining five charges due to unproven allegations.
The investigation into Mr. Inu’s role in the July uprising, which resulted in six deaths in Kushtia, began in March 2025. Following formal charges in September and framing of charges in November, the tribunal heard testimony from ten prosecution witnesses and two defense witnesses before delivering its verdict.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased, laborers Ashraful Islam and Suruj Ali Babu, students Abdullah Al Mustakin and Usama, businessman Bablu Faraji, and employee Yusuf Sheikh, welcomed the prosecution’s decision to appeal.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current sentence, victim families alleged that local police and 14-party alliance armed operatives opened fire on protesters under Mr. Inu’s direct orders and instigation, and called for the maximum penalty in the highest court.
