Rokeya Prachi went to court yesterday alone, as lonely she has been since some muggers took the life of her husband Sergeant Ahad Parvez at the Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on October 28, 1999.

She continued weeping throughout the pronouncement of the verdict in the Ahad murder case. After two of the 13 accused were awarded death sentence and one life imprisonment, an expression of dissatisfaction crept in her eyes. "I wanted death to all," she said with a tinge of pang.

"The judge was fair in his job, but the investigation officers did not do justice to their job," she sobbed.

Judge Hussain Shaheed Ahmad of the Court of Second Additional Metropolitan Session's Judge handed out death sentence to 'Kangali' Zakir (Zakir Hossain) and Taleb Hossain Rana (Taleb Rana or 'Dhakar Badsha') and rigorous life imprisonment and Tk 5,000 fine to Zakir Hossain ('Kana Zakir'). The 10 others were acquitted.

"It is not a just punishment for the crime they committed," Rahat, nephew of Ahad, said.

In the judgement, the court said the nature of the murder is so heinous and gruesome that lesser sentence of imprisonment cannot meet the demand of justice in this case.

"Sergeant Ahad did not compromise with the muggers and sacrificed his life for the interest of the nation, but died for the negligence of his colleagues who were stationed there with arms," the court said.

"Police officers who did not know how to use arms to protect their colleague cannot play role to protect and save life and property of the people. It will be safer if those police officers do not remain in service.

"The court hopes the government will consider this matter."

Once the verdict was delivered, 'Kangali' Zakir shouted in protest. "Is it fair? I was sleeping in the night, heard the following morning that I was accused, and now I have been given death sentence."

Surprisingly though, tears rolled down the cheeks of one-eyed 'Kana' Zakir on hearing the judgement. The tough-looking man cried on without saying anything.

His lawyers said they would go to the higher court to appeal against the verdict.

The acquitted meanwhile shouted to greet the verdict. "I think the verdict has reflected the truth. We are satisfied with it," said Selim, one of the acquitted.