The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

A Trial Court of Barguna sentenced Matiur Rahman, former BNP lawmaker of Barguna-3 constituency, to 17 years imprisonment under two separate sections of Penal Code for toll collection.

Md. Shajahan Majumdar, Additional District and Session Judge of Barguna, handed down this verdict on Thursday after examining 11 witnesses, other evidences and arguments of the both sides said that Matiur will suffer 10 years imprisonments under Section 386 and more seven years under Section 387 of Penal Codes and both term of the conviction would be served simultaneously. Prosecution said Matiur demanded 1.5 lakhs taka as toll from Nurul Islam Mridha, Awami League leader of Amtali and collected Tk. 50 thousand as a part of that on October 19, 2006.

After declaration of State of Emergency Nurul Islam lodged a case in this connection with Amtali Upazila Magistrate Court on April 13, 2007 against Matiur and Sub-Inspector Shafikul Islam, after investigation filed charge sheet against the accused on June 17, 2007.

Advocates Abdul Motaleb, public prosecutor, Majibur Rahman, assistant public prosecutor, pleaded for the State, while Advocates Majid Talukdar and Kamalkanti, defended the accused.