Joseph got his first term on March 31 for killing Abu Morshed, a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader, in the city in 1995.

Judge Abu Hanif of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-3 yesterday pronounced the verdict, which also sentenced Masudur Rahman (Masud) to death for killing one Mostafa in the city in 1996. Joseph's two brothers- Anis Ahmed and Haris Ahmed, and Kabil Sarker were given life term.

Of the convicts, Joseph, Anis, Masud and Kabil were present in the court yesterday while Haris was tried in absentia. Haris also got life term in the Morshed murder case.

Reading out the judgement at a jam-packed courtroom, the judge acquitted Mohammad Islam (Munna) of the charges brought against him.

Those on death row can appeal to the High Court within 30 days, the judge added.

Earlier, the prosecution and the defence completed their arguments and the court recorded statements of 23 out of 35 prosecution witnesses.