BANGLADESH

A speedy trial tribunal on Tuesday sentenced a member of the banned Islamist outfit, Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), to death on charge of exploding grenade at the office of the Gazipur police chief.

Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-4 judge Mohammad Motaher Hossain pronounced the verdict in presence of the accused, Mohammad Mamunur Rashid alias 'Jahid'.

Jahid hails from Barkona village of Saghata upazila in Gaibandha district.

The judge assured the convict of sending the verdict copy to his relatives following his request.

The police arrested Jahid with five grenades and bomb-making materials from Tongi on Feb 20, 2009.

According to the case details, the JMB member, handcuffed in police custody, exploded a grenade when he was taken before journalists at the Gazipur SP (superintendent of police) office the following day.

Around 16 people, including reporters and police personnel, were injured in the explosion.

Sub-inspector Nazmul Islam Khan later filed a case with the Joydevpur police in connection with the blast.

A total of 22 people testified in the case.