Twenty-three people, including a leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, were today sentenced to death for killing four activists of the ruling Awami League and its student wing in 2002.

Second Additional District and Sessions Judge Kamrunnahar of the Narayanganj court pronounced the verdict.

Out of the 23 convicts, four are absconding, the Daily Star reported.

The 19 others, who were present in the court, include then Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) president of Gopaldi unit Abul Bashar Kashu, the report said.

Kashu and his aides picked up the victims Barek, his cousin Badal, Faruk and Kabir from their houses on March 12, 2002. Later, they tortured and burnt them to death, the prosecution said.

The opposition BNP is led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia.