Chamber Judge Amirul Kabir Chowdhury stayed the verdict after hearing a leave to appeal petition filed by Syed Sajjad Mainuddin Hasan alias Azad, one of the convicts awarded death sentence.

The HC Death Reference Bench on Shazneen murder case comprising Justice Ali Asgar Khan and Justice Emdadul Haque, in its verdict on July 10, upheld the death penalty of five convicts, including Hasan, and acquitted one in the sensational case.

The five convicts are Shahidul Islam alias Shahid, a domestic help at the Gulshan residence of Shazneen's family, Hasan, a contractor for renovation of their house, Badal, his assistant, and two maids, Estema Khatun Minu and Parvin.

The HC acquitted mason Shaniram Mandal of the charge.

Fifteen-year-old Shazneen, the youngest daughter of leading businessman Latifur Rahman, was raped and killed at their Gulshan residence sometime between 8:00 pm and 10:15pm on April 23, 1998, the day a party was hosted by Rahman.