In sentencing, Judge Shahed Noor of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 Dhaka Division said the gang led by Anwar Hossain nicknamed Dukhu killed Mizanur Rahman alias Barej, 30, and Ziaul Haq Harej, 26, at their West Shewrapara home at about 1:00am on November 2, 2001 as they refused to pay tolls.

The judge sentenced the convicts twice as it was a double murder: the sentencing of the extortionists with death penalty will be effective subject to confirmation by the High Court (HC), while life sentences will run concurrently.

Dukhu, Amzad Hossain alias Mintu, Rashedul Haq alias Chanchal, Rubel and Sarwar Hossain alias Mithu will have to walk gallows, and Amir Hossain and Mohammad Rasul have been jailed for life.

The convicts were present in the dock during the pronouncement of the 39-page verdict and the judge read out its highlights in 25 minutes.

The convicts can appeal to the HC against the judgement within 30 days of the receipt of the verdict papers, the judge said.

On hearing the verdict, Abdur Rashid and Abdul Warej, brothers of the victims, expressed satisfaction with the judgement and demanded its immediate execution.

The prosecution and defence completed their arguments on December 18 and the court recorded statements of 13 of the 18 witnesses in a trial that came after Rashid filed a murder case with Mirpur Police Station.

Rubel, one of the defendants, gave a judicial statement admitting to his part in the killings and named the other accused during investigation into the slaying of the brothers.

The investigation officer submitted the charge sheet against Dukhu and six others on May 24 last year. The court framed charges against the accused on January 16 and the trial began on March 25.

Special Public Prosecutor Abdul Latif Talukder conducted the case on behalf of the state, while advocates Borhanuddin, Magfur Sheikh and Khondaker Newajul Bari defended the accused.