DHAKA, 2 October 2006 — Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has ordered a stay of execution for seven terrorists sentenced to death for bomb attacks that killed at least 30 people last year, a court official said yesterday.
The terrorists included Shaikh Abdur Rahman and Siddikul Islam Bangla Bhai, heads of two outlawed groups seeking the introduction of Shariah-based law in Bangladesh.
The two, who head the groups Jamaat ul Mujahedeen and Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, appealed for clemency on Friday. Their petition is to be heard on Oct. 15 and execution has been suspended until its settlement, said Fazlul Karim, secretary of the Supreme Court.
Orphans Are Maltreated
Social welfare minister yesterday admitted in Parliament that orphans were maltreated in orphanages across Bangladesh.
“Though it is unfortunate, irregularities do take place in orphanages. Sometimes, children are maltreated in the orphanages by educated people,” Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid told the Parliament in response to a question by opposition Awami League member Shajahan Khan.
The minister, however, said that actions have been taken by his ministry against those found responsible for maltreating orphans.
