BANGLADESH: YOUNG MAN TO WALK GALLOWS FOR MURDER

a young man was awarded the death penalty in Bangladesh for the murder of a mobile shop operator in Pabna town for refusing tolls in March last year. Divisional Special Tribunal judge ATM Mesbahullah handed down the death verdict to Suman, 23, a resident of Housepara in Pabna town. His two associates accused in the case were set free as the prosecution failed to prove their guilt. The case was transferred in January from Pabna to the divisional special tribunal. According to the prosecution, Sumon, with his two associates demanded tolls of Tk 15,000 from operator of the mobile shop Lion at Sadhupara in Pabna town on March 13, 2006. On refusal, they dragged Lion out of the shop, poured kerosene on his body and set on fire in presence of dozens of people. Onlookers rescued Lion and rushed to hospital with severe burn injuries. After five days he died in Dhaka Medical College Hospital.