JMB militant executed for involvement in 2005 Udichi blast

Dhaka, July 16 Banned Jamatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB) militant Asaduzzaman Panir alias Asad, who was sentenced to death for involvement in the 2005 bomb attack on a cultural programme which left eight killed, has been executed, officials said on Friday.

Asad, 37, was executed in Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur on the outskirts of Dhaka at 11 p.m. on Thursday and his body was handed over to his family members after the legal process, Senior Jail Superintendent Md Gias Uddin told .

Asad was directly involved in the bomb attack in a cultural programme of half century old progressive cultural organisation, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, in Netrokona on December 8, 2005 in which eight people were killed and dozens were severely injured.

The execution took place in presence of Gazipur Executive Magistrate, and representatives of the Civil Surgeon's office and Metropolitan Police, as well as the convict's family members.

Hangman Shahjahan carried out the execution and Dr Asif Rahman Ivan of Civil Surgeon's office declared the death.

In jail since 2008 following his sentencing, Asad was executed 23 days after the President on June 23 rejected his prayer seeking mercy.

Another petition, challenging the verdict, was rejected by the Supreme Court's Appellate Division, officials told .

A speedy trial tribunal court of Dhaka sentenced accused Asad, top militant Siddidqur Rehman alias Bangla Bhai, Salauddin alias Sohel, and Younus Ali to death on February 17, 2008 for the attack. The court had also sentenced Asad to 20 years in jail in another case under the Explosive Substances Act lodged at Netrakona police station in 2005 and also to 10 and 20 years in prison in two other cases filed at Kotwali police station.

Bangla Bhai and another militant named Ataur Rahman Sani were hanged to death in connection with another explosive case.