Child Murder Conviction: Three Sentenced to Death

A tragic case of child abduction and murder in Feni has culminated in the death sentence for three young men, following a lengthy investigation and trial that gripped the local community. The incident has not only sparked public outrage but has also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced child protection measures.

The victim, Ahnaf Al Main, a 10-year-old fourth-grade student of Feni Grammar School, was returning home after his routine five-day coaching class when he was abducted. The perpetrators immediately contacted Ahnaf’s father, demanding a ransom of 12 lakh BDT. In a cruel twist, Ahnaf recognised one of the abductors, which led the criminals to murder him to prevent identification.

The crime took place on 8 December 2024 in Feni Sadar Upazila. Four days later, on 12 December, police recovered Ahnaf’s body from a pond beside the Dewanganj railway line. Following the recovery, his father, Main Uddin, filed a formal complaint at the local police station, triggering a rapid investigation.

After diligent police work, all three suspects were apprehended within a few days. They later provided confessional statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The police submitted the charge sheet to the court on 30 March 2025, and it was accepted on 25 May 2025. The trial involved testimony from 22 witnesses, meticulously reviewed before the court reached its verdict.

On Thursday, the Feni Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, presided over by District and Sessions Judge A.N.M. Morshed Khan, delivered the death sentence to the three accused:

According to court sources, Ahnaf’s family originally hails from Joypur village, Fulghazi Upazila, but resided in rented accommodation in Feni’s Academy area. All three accused were present during the verdict and were immediately taken into high-security custody at the district jail.

The prosecution team included Government Prosecutor Md. Shahab Uddin Ahmad and Assistant Government Prosecutor Mejbah Uddin Khan, while the defendants were represented by lawyers Sabbir Uddin, Kamrul Hasan, and Samsuddin Manik.

Speaking to the press, Ahnaf’s father expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “I am satisfied that my young son’s murderers have received justice. I urge that the death sentences be carried out without delay.”

This landmark ruling is considered a strong judicial message against crimes targeting children, emphasising accountability and deterrence in society.

Case Summary:

The ruling underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on child safety and the gravity of kidnapping and murder cases in Bangladesh.