File photo of Nusrat Jahan Rafi, an Alim examinee and student of Sonagazi Madrasa in Feni, who died on April 10, after being set on fire on April 6 Dhaka Tribune

Feni's Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Mamunur Rashid sentenced 16 people to death on Thursday

While delivering the verdict of Nusrat Jahan Rafi murder case, the court in its observation said that the 'shining sacrifice' of the young woman will always remain a source of inspiration for the preservation of women's dignity.

Feni's Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Mamunur Rashid sentenced 16 people to death on Thursday.

On April 6, 18-year-old Nusrat Jahan, an alim examinee of Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, was set on fire in broad daylight on the roof of the institution by people loyal to principal Sirajuddaula, when she refused to withdraw a sexual harassment case her family filed against him on May 27.

She succumbed to her critical burn injuries at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital on April 10, which sparked nationwide outrage, and a public demand for swift justice against the perpetrators.

This incident has tarnished the luminous role of Sonagazi Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa in escalating education in the area as well as shaken the conscience of the world. Victim Nusrat's brilliant sacrifice in preserving the status of womanhood has given her immortality already," the judge said.

Her immortality will remain as an inspiration forever. As well, the arrogance of the accused will surely be the cause of shame to humanity over time. Therefore, the culprits deserve the most severe punishment, the court observed.

Earlier, the court handed death penalty to madrasa principal Md Sirajuddaula, Nur Uddin, Shahadat Hossain Shamim, councilor Maksud Alam, Saifur Rahman Mohammad Zobair, Shakhawat Hossain Jabed, Hafez Abdul Kader, Absar Uddin, Kamrun Nahar Moni, Umme Sultana Poppy, Abdur Rahim Sharif, Iftekhar Uddin Rana, Imran Hossain Mamun, Mohammad Shamim, Ruhul Amin, and Mohiuddin Shakil.

Each of the convicts has also been slapped with a fine of Tk100,000 each.

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Judge: Nusrat's shining sacrifice will remain a source of inspiration to women - Dhaka Tribune