Bangladesh sentences 19 to death in political rally attack

He said parties in power in a democratic country must strive to consolidate democracy by following liberal policies, not killing opposition leaders.

Lutfuzzaman Babar, one of two former Cabinet ministers among the 19 condemned to death, told reporters after the verdict that he was innocent. “God knows everything. I was not behind it,” he said.

Tarique Rahman, the oldest son of opposition leader Khaleda Zia, received a life sentence for each of two conspiracy charges stemming from the attack. He lives in London and was tried in absentia. Eighteen others were also sentenced to life imprisonment, and 11 received six months to two years in prison.

Rahman’s conviction could help Hasina retain power in elections due in December. Zia, 73, a former prime minister, has been serving a prison sentence on a corruption conviction since February but was transferred to a state-run hospital on Saturday for what her party says are multiple medical problems.

Armed guards stood outside the courtroom in the old part of the capital on Wednesday to quell any protests, but the streets were calm.

Bangladesh Law Minister Anisul Huq welcomed the verdict and pledged he would try to bring the fugitives back, but the opposition immediately rejected the ruling.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of Zia’s party, termed the verdict politically motivated and said it was a “naked manifestation of political vengeance” by the ruling party.

Zia’s party also announced a week of protests, including nationwide rallies starting Thursday.

Nuruddin said the parties had 30 days to appeal the verdict.

Zia was convicted of embezzling about $250,000 in donations meant for an orphanage trust established when she first became prime minister in 1991. Rahman was also sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the case.

Zia faces more than 30 other charges, ranging from corruption to sedition, which her party has denounced as a government effort to keep her out of the elections.

The government has denied the allegations.

Zia was the country’s prime minister three times — twice for full five-year terms and once for a brief period.

Bangladeshi politics are deeply divided, with rivals Hasina and Zia, both from political dynasties, alternately ruling the country since 1991, when democracy was restored.

Julhas Alam, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Bangladesh sentences 19 to death in political rally attack

What's Happening