Kushtia Six Murders: Awami League Leader Hanif Sentenced to Death, Three Sentenced Until Death
An International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-2) has sentenced Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Joint General Secretary of the Awami League, to death in a crime against humanity case over the murder of six people in Kushtia during the July Uprising. Three co-accused, Kushtia District Awami League President Sadr Uddin Khan, General Secretary Azgar Ali, and Kushtia City Awami League General Secretary Ataur Rahman Ata, were sentenced to imprisonment until death. The tribunal ordered the confiscation of half of the assets of all four convicts, who have been absconding since the trial began.
The tribunal found all four individuals guilty on three specific charges related to ordering attacks on students and the public in Kushtia on August 5, 2024, conspiring to commit murder, and their direct involvement in the deaths of six victims: Ashraful Islam, Suruj Ali Babu, Abdullah Al Mustakin, Md. Osama, Bablu Faraji, and Youssuf Sheikh. Formal charges were framed on November 2, 2025, and a total of 19 witnesses testified during the judicial proceedings, where state-appointed defense lawyer Amir Hossain represented the absconding accused.
Martyrs’ family members expressed satisfaction with the verdict while voicing deep apprehension regarding the execution of the sentence due to the absconding status of the convicts. Sujon Mahmud, son of martyr Bablu Faraji, welcomed the punishment of those who ordered the killings but expressed anger that police officers directly involved were omitted from the ruling. He stated, ‘While those who ordered the killings were punished, the police officers directly involved were not named,’ demanding that firing police officers be brought to justice and absconders returned.
Spouses of the victims shared similar feelings of relief alongside urgent appeals to the government for effective action. Laboni Akter Iti, wife of martyr Ashraful Islam, who was shot dead near Model Police Station on August 5, appealed to authorities, stating, ‘Since all the accused are absconding, I want them brought to justice quickly to see my husband’s killers hanged.’ Fahima Khatun, wife of martyr Suruj Ali Babu, echoed relief over the judicial outcome, while July activist Toukir Ahmed noted he had expected death sentences for all remaining accused.
Local political leaders emphasized that the court decision reflects public expectations and marks a key step toward the rule of law. Kutub Uddin Ahmed, Convener of Kushtia District BNP, remarked, ‘This verdict is filling the gap in establishing the rule of law in the country. This judgment, reflecting public expectations, proves that no one can escape accountability for fascist behavior, destroying democracy, and indiscriminate killing.’ Political representatives highlighted the necessity of legal accountability for perpetrators regardless of their political standing or affiliation.
Enamul Haq, Secretary of Kushtia District Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed satisfaction with the judgment while pointing out past failures regarding the execution of tribunal sentences. He strongly demanded that the government take immediate initiatives to locate and extradite the absconding convicts to Bangladesh to execute the judgment without further delay. Community members and activists continue to urge swift diplomatic and law-enforcement actions to ensure the full enforcement of the tribunal’s historical ruling.
