Dhaka: A Dhaka court awarded five people with death sentence in a case filed over the killing of Ekushey Padak winner photo journalist Aftab Ahmed, who was murdered at his own residence in 2013.

Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-4 Judge Abdur Rahman announced the verdict on Tuesday morning.

The convicts are Aftab Ahmed’s driver Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Mohammad Billal Hossain, Habib Hawlader, Mohammad Razu Munshi, and Russel. Among them Russel is absconding.

The court also handed down another accused, Mohammad Shobuj Khan, with seven years of imprisonment.

Earlier, the judge fixed 28 March for delivering the verdict after concluding the trail process. Around twenty people gave their deposition in the case.

According to the case statement, Photo journalist Aftab Ahmed was killed at his residence in capital’s West Rampura area on Wapda Road on 24 December 2013. On the next day, police recovered his body with his hand and feet tied. Aftab Ahmed used to live at the third floor of four-storied building by his own.

Later, on 25 March 2014, the investigation officer, RAB 3 Sub-inspector Ashik Iqbal filed charge sheet with Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court (CMM) against five people including Aftab Ahmed driver, Mohammad Humayun.