Nusrat murder case: HC confirms death sentences for two, life imprisonment for four

The High Court on Monday upheld the death sentences of two convicts in the widely followed Nusrat Jahan Rafi murder case in Sonagazi, Feni, while handing life imprisonment to four others and acquitting 10 accused.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja delivered the verdict on 24 August.

The case concerns the 2019 murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi, a madrasa student from Sonagazi whose death sparked widespread outrage across Bangladesh and renewed calls for stronger action against violence against women.

The ruling confirms the capital punishment awarded to the two principal convicts, while four others will serve life sentences. The court also acquitted 10 accused in the case.

Nusrat murder case

Nusrat was set on fire at Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa in Feni on 6 April 2019 after refusing to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint against the institution’s then-principal. She succumbed to her burn injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on 10 April.

Her killing sparked nationwide protests and public outrage, with people demanding swift justice and stronger measures against sexual harassment and violence against women.

In October 2019, a Feni trial court sentenced all 16 accused to death. The High Court subsequently began hearing the death references and appeals filed in connection with the case.