A local court on Monday sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the brutal 2020 murder of his wife, whom he set on fire after she was unable to meet his demands for dowry.
Rashed Molla, 30, was found guilty of pouring kerosene on his wife, Josna Begum, 21, and setting her ablaze. Shamima Parveen, Judge of the Faridpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, delivered the verdict in a packed courtroom.
Life Imprisonment for murder. Three years of rigorous imprisonment under a separate section of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. A fine of Tk 50,000, with an additional year of simple imprisonment if he fails to pay.
The judge ruled that both prison sentences will run concurrently. Following the announcement, Rashed was escorted to Faridpur District Jail under heavy police guard. His brother, Hasib Molla, was acquitted as the charges against him were not proven.
According to court records, Rashed and Josna married in mid-2019. Shortly after, Rashed began demanding dowry. Despite receiving Tk 50,000 in cash and proceeds from selling Josna’s gold jewelry—money Rashed reportedly spent on drugs—the harassment continued.
On July 16, 2020, Rashed demanded an additional Tk 50,000. When Josna refused, he attacked her inside their home in Ghoradah Bazar. Josna suffered severe burns and was initially treated at Faridpur Medical College Hospital. She succumbed to her injuries the following day while being transported to Dhaka for specialized care.
The victim's brother, Jalil Sheikh, filed the initial case with Kotwali Police Station. After an investigation led by SI Md. Arifuzzaman, the charge sheet was submitted in March 2021.
"The state is satisfied with this verdict," said State Prosecutor Golam Rabbani Ratan. "This sentence serves as a stern warning against the social curse of dowry and domestic violence."
