The judge Mohammad Abu Hanif of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-3, gave the verdict at a crowded courtroom.

Mohammad Shafiqul Islam alias Shafiq and Mohammad Insan were awarded death penalty and Masum and Ramesha Bewaya got life term.

The court acquitted Suman and Liton as the charges brought against them were not proved.

Insan, Ramesha and Liton are in custody while Shafiq, Masum and Suman are absconding since the murder.

Those who got death penalty can appeal to the High Court against the verdict within seven days. The punishment of the fugitives will be effective from the date of their surrender or arrest, the judgement said.

The prosecution story in brief is that Lipon Choudhury,26, was chopped to death by a gang of assailants led by Masum and Liton at the Chourasta intersection of East Adalatpara in Tangail on September 16, 1999.

Later, victim's father Sayeed Chowdhury filed a murder case with Tangail thana accusing Masum and five others the same day.

The investigation officer of the case pressed charges against Masum and five others on January 17,2000 and the court framed charges against them on June 16, 2001.

Twelve prosecution witnesses were examined during the trial.

Special Public Prosecutor Nurul Iman Babul appeared for the state.