Two ex-cops sentenced to death in 2024 protest killing
DHAKA, April 9: A special Bangladeshi tribunal sentenced two former policemen, assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain and constable Sujan Chandra Roy Abu, to death for the killing of 23-year-old university student Abu Sayeed during a 2024 protest that contributed to toppling the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) ruled the killings constituted crimes against humanity on the Rangpur University campus on July 16, 2024. The tribunal also handed life sentences to three other former policemen and varying prison terms to 25 additional individuals, including the university vice chancellor, police officials, teachers, and student activists linked to the disbanded Awami League student wing. Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury pronounced that the two policemen would be hanged. Most convicts, including three given life terms, remain at large, with only six tried in person. Defence lawyers disputed the evidence, claiming no bullets were found. Prosecutors hailed Sayeed as a martyr whose sacrifice helped challenge autocratic rule. Convicts can appeal the verdict before Bangladesh’s Supreme Court. (PTI)
Pakistani man pleads guilty in New York attack plot
NEW YORK, April 9: Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 21-year-old Pakistani national residing in Canada, pleaded guilty to plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on a Jewish centre in Brooklyn, New York, around the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. He admitted planning to cross the US-Canada border with a human smuggler and carry out a mass shooting using AR-style rifles, aiming to kill as many Jewish people as possible. Khan called New York “perfect” due to its large Jewish population and claimed the attack could be the largest on US soil since 9/11. Khan coordinated his plan with undercover officers posing as accomplices, discussing weapons, locations, and logistics, even sending photos of the site. Arrested about 12 miles from the US border in Ormstown, Canada, Khan said he was motivated by supporting ISIS and retaliating for Israeli actions in Gaza. He expressed regret, calling the plan “terrible, extremely dangerous and morally reprehensible.” Sentencing is scheduled for August 12, with a possible life prison term before US District Judge Paul Gardephe. (PTI)
Two killed in plane crash at small airport in Arizona
Marana, April 9: Two people have died in a fiery plane crash at a small airport in Arizona, officials said on Wednesday. The plane went off the runway and burst into flames, Marana Mayor Jon Post said. City spokesperson Vic Hathaway said there were two people on board the plane. They have not been identified. No other injuries were reported and no other aircraft were involved, the Marana police department said in a news release. The National Transportation Safety Board was taking over the investigation into the cause of the crash, police said. Marana is about 32 km northwest of Tucson. (AP)
