The Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal, Chittagong, handed down the jail term to Hazari, also allegedly godfather of an organised criminals' network in Feni, in his absence.

The verdict takes effect from the day police arrest Hazari or he surrenders. Hazari has been hiding since the takeover of the caretaker government in 2001.

Copies of the judgement and other documents will be sent to the district magistrate of Feni and the deputy inspector general of police, Chittagong range, for action.

Justice M Hasan Imam, the tribunal judge, convicted the lone accused, Hazari, in the case with minimum punishment under Section 19 (F) of the Arms Act 1878.

Earlier on August 10, a court in Feni sentenced Hazari and one of his aides to life imprisonment in another arms case. There are 16 cases still pending against Hazari, official sources said.

The joint forces in a raid on Hazari's office at his Love Market in Feni on August 17, 2001 recovered five .303 rifle bullets, two 7.62mm rifle bullets, three pistol bullets, eight gun cartridges and four fire pins.

Yesterday's judgement came only on the fifth day of the trial after the charge of the case was framed on September 11 followed by two witnesses' hearings on September 23 and 24 and a final argument on September 25.

The case was sent to the Chittagong tribunal on September 2 and police pressed charge against Hazari on November 8, 2001 when the Court of the District and Sessions Judge, Feni was dealing with the case.

The case was lodged on August 17, 2001 following recovery of the ammunition.

The tribunal heard six of the eight prosecution witnesses during the trial. The prosecution witnesses who gave deposition include plaintiff Sub-inspector (SI) Bipul Barua, two investigation officers SI Ferdous Ahmed and SI Moshiur Rahman, three Feni residents Md. Abul Kashem, Bakhtiar Hossain Munna and Nazir Ahmad.

Special Public Prosecutor Ahmed Quamrul Islam Chowdhury Sajjad pleaded for the state, while state-appointed lawyer Advocate Ahsanul Hoq Hena moved for the defendant.