Security beefed up in Barguna ahead of Rifat murder verdict

Security centring the Barguna court area has been tightened, including the district and upazila towns, ahead of the sensational Rifat Sharif murder case verdict.  

Judge Md Ashaduzzaman of the Barguna District and Sessions Judge Court is scheduled to pronounce the verdict against the ten adult accused in the case on September 30.

Ahead of the verdict, police have been put on alert in Barguna since last night. Security check posts have been set up in vital areas of the district. Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Detective Branch of police are also patrolling the district.

"We are fully prepared to tackle any situation," said the the additional superintendent of police (Headquarters), adding that, "We have taken up stringent security measures across the district, especially in the court premises.

"No vehicle is allowed enter the court site except for the government vehicles," he added.

Advocate Bhuban Chandra Haldar, public prosecutor of Barguna District and Sessions Judge's Court, said, "People from all over the country are waiting for the Rifat murder case verdict. The prosecution has been able to present evidence in court against the accused. We are hopeful that all accused will get the maximum punishment".

Rifat's wife Minni, one of the prime accused in the case, has been one of the early birds who has arrived at the court premises, accompanied by her father.

Rifat Sharif was hacked to death in front of Barguna Government College in broad daylight on June 26 last year. His wife Minni was present on the spot when the incident took place.

On September 1 the same year, police submitted two charge sheets to the same court accusing 14 juveniles and 10 adults in the case.

Of the adults accused, only Minni has been on bail granted by the High Court, which was expired on September 16.