A death-sentence was anticipated by many for the much-publicised killing of Ekushey-award winning journalist Manik Saha, but in an unexpected turn of events lifetime imprisonment was announced.
The judge specifically mentioned insufficient evidences and lack of information presented by the witnesses as the main reason for this verdict during his announcement at the empty court room yesterday.
One of prime reasons was identified as lack of cooperation from late Manik Saha’s family, most of who were absent despite being summoned to the court many times during the trial to present information as witnesses.
Also in some instances, they appeared as disinterested in providing information to the court.
Consequently summing up these events together, the court gave the verdict of lifetime imprisonment to nine accused of this case largely based on police investigations.
Wishing anonymity, one of the advocates of this case said: “The trial for this case had been going on for nearly 12 years. During this time, no statements from Manik Saha’s daughter Moumita Saha and former journalist Sahabuddin Ahmed could be taken as none of them were in Khulna. Manik Saha’s younger brother was summoned to the court many times, which he initially declined. Eventually, although he did appear at the court, he however refused to present information despite the lawyers probing him with questions to find answers.”
Khulna Divisional Fast Track Tribunal Public Prosecutor (PP) Advocate Enamul Haque said although he had anticipated the highest penalty or death sentence for this case, the judge had to give lifetime imprisonment penalty under the given circumstances. He said if the witnesses presented their information boldly, the outcome could have been as expected. The PP said he is, however, not disappointed with the verdict. PP Advocate Enamul believes that justice has been obtained through this verdict and it will serve as an example of the firmness of the country’s law enforcement and justice system.
During the announcement of the verdict, the Khulna Divisional Fast Track Tribunal Judge M A Rob Hawladar in his brief statement said: “The witnesses of this case have not provided sufficient evidence and information. Information provided by Manik Saha’s family, relatives and colleagues were not as useful or cooperative as expected. The verdict is being given mostly based on the case documents.”
Khulna court’s Additional PP M M Sajjad Hossain said: “Despite being a very strong case, only because of insufficient information from the witnesses, such is the outcome of the trial. Had the evidences been presented in a better manner and the family and colleagues been more cooperative, the highest penalty could have been ensured to the convicts.”
Khulna Press Club President S M Nazrul Islam and General Secretary Mamun Reza along with the other members however pointed out poor investigation done by the police as the reason why all the culprits behind this killing could not be identified and brought to justice.
Khulna Journalists’ Union President S M Jahid Hossain said they would comment when an analysis was made after they received a copy of the verdict.
He said: “Only the analysis will clearly explain why death penalty was not given to the convicts, and we will take the next steps accordingly.”
Manik Saha’s brother Pradip Saha said: “The state has failed to identify the direct culprits of this killing and provide justice. The state is the plaintiff for this case and the state must consider this in taking the next steps.”
Incidentally, journalist Manik Saha was killed on January 15, 2004 near Khulna Press Club in a planned bomb attack and the case was filed on January 17 with the Khulna police station.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
