17 convicts still at large (2018-05-21)

Though four years have already gone by since the killing of Fulgazi Upazila Chairman Ekramul Haque Ekram, law enforcement agencies are yet to arrest 17 people convicted of their roles in the murder in Feni, reports bdnews24.com.

Ekram's family expressed frustrations that those currently in prison following the trial court verdict have not had their appeals heard by the High Court.

Although some of the perpetrators have received the verdict they deserved, the mastermind behind the attack has yet to be caught, Ekram's brother Mozammel told the news agency.

He urged the government to ensure that those sentenced to capital punishment are not granted mercy by the High Court.

Ekram, the then Fulgazi Upazila chairman and Awami League president, was hacked and shot to death in broad daylight in Feni on May 20, 2014.

On Mar 13 this year, Feni Sessions Judge Aminul Haque sentenced 39 to death in the case filed by Ekram's elder brother Rezaul Haque Jasim. Another 16 accused in the case, including BNP leader Mahtab Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury Minar, were acquitted.

Among those sentenced to death, 22 are in prison, eight fled after receiving bail and nine have been absconding from the beginning of the case.

Those sentenced to death but now at large include Zahid Hossain Jihad, Abidul Islam Abid, Chowdhury Md Nafiz Uddin Anik, Arman Hosen Kausar and Zahedul Hashem Saika.