The High Court today commuted the death sentence of a convict to life imprisonment in a case filed over the murder of Barishal University (BU) student Saoda Begum in 2013.

Saoda, an 18-year-old first-year student of the university, died after being attacked by Russel Mia, a former student of the university, on September 5, 2013.

Shahida Begum, mother of Saoda, filed the murder case with Kotwali Police Station in Barishal city, accusing Russel in connection with the incident.

Following the incident, the university authorities expelled Russell, who was involved romantically with Saoda.

On June 1, 2015, the district and sessions judge's court of Barishal sentenced Russell to death for killing Saoda.

Russell (20), then filed an appeal with the HC challenging the trial court's verdict on him.

After holding hearing and examining the appeal and death reference of the case, the HC bench of Justice Krishna Debnath and Justice ASM Abdul Mobin commuted the death penalty of Russell to life imprisonment today.

The HC commuted the sentence considering Russell's "tender age and emotional disturbance", Mohammad Shishir Manir, lawyer for the convict, told The Daily Star.