A Satkhira court has sentenced suspended police officer Md Rafiqul Islam to seven years in prison for torturing his wife over dowry demands, leaving her with a fractured nasal bone.

The court also fined him Tk 15,000, with an additional two months in prison if he fails to pay.

​Judge Md Zakaria Hossain of the Satkhira Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal delivered the verdict on Tuesday. The convict was present in court during the verdict and was subsequently sent to jail, said Advocate Sheikh Alamgir Ashraf, public prosecutor of the tribunal.

​According to the case statement and charge sheet, Rafiqul married Tania Arefin on May 25, 2010. Tania is from Purba Narayanpur village under Kaliganj upazila of Satkhira, while Rafiqul is from Holidhani Pratappur village in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila.

​Following their marriage, Rafiqul continuously subjected Tania to physical and mental abuse demanding dowry. In the early hours of December 25, 2020, he demanded Tk 20 lakh and tortured her. At one point, he struck her with an iron rod and bricks, breaking her nasal bone. Local residents later rescued her and admitted her to hospital.

​Following the incident, the victim filed a case with the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. After a prolonged judicial process, evaluation of testimonies, and legal arguments, the court found the charges proven and convicted Rafiqul.