A Dhaka court has sentenced Mirza Sakhawat Hossain (51) to death for the brutal murder of his wife over a dowry demand. The verdict was delivered on Monday (August 5) by Judge Mosammat Kamrunnahar of the Dhaka Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-6. Following the announcement of the verdict, the convict was sent to prison.
According to court documents, on January 10, 2023, Sakhawat killed his wife Fatema Begum (45) at their rented home in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, after repeatedly pressuring her to bring 1 crore BDT (approx. \$90,000) as dowry from her family. When she refused, Sakhawat allegedly attacked her with a stone grinder, causing fatal injuries.
The victim’s elder sister, Arjina Begum, filed a case at Mohammadpur Police Station under Section 11(k) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Sakhawat was arrested soon after the incident and has remained in custody since then.
The investigation concluded with a charge sheet submitted to the court on August 24, 2023. Court official Saiful Islam confirmed to Prothom Alo that the prosecution presented 17 witnesses to support the case.
According to the prosecution, Sakhawat had been mentally and physically abusing Fatema since their marriage. Over time, his demands for money escalated, ultimately leading to the fatal attack when she refused to meet his dowry demands.
Legal experts and women’s rights activists have welcomed the court’s ruling, describing it as a landmark decision against domestic violence and dowry-related abuse. The case highlights the continuing threat of dowry practices and the urgent need for strict enforcement of protective laws.
