A Dhaka tribunal has sentenced human rights activist Mostakin Sharif and his wife Jannatul Naima to seven years in prison for torturing their domestic worker, Hawa Akter, eight years ago in South Banasree. The verdict was delivered on Sunday, June 28, 2026, by Judge Shahanaj Sultana of Dhaka’s Third Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. Both convicts were also fined 50,000 taka each, with an additional six months of imprisonment in default of payment. They were present in court when the judgment was announced and were later sent back to prison.

According to the case details, on October 31, 2018, police rescued 14-year-old Hawa Akter from the couple’s residence in a severely injured condition. The investigation revealed that from July 7 to October 31, 2018, the couple had confined and tortured her using heated rods, iron spatulas, and other means, causing serious burns and injuries. The court began the trial on September 19, 2022, after framing charges, and heard testimony from nine witnesses.

The ruling concludes a prolonged legal process that began with the 2018 case filed by Khilgaon police following the rescue of the victim.