HC to hear appeal challenging death sentence in Asiya rape-murder case

The High Court on Tuesday accepted an appeal filed by Hitu Sheikh challenging the death sentence handed to him by a Magura court over the rape and murder of Asiya, a case that had triggered nationwide outrage.

A bench comprising Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md Sagir Hossain issued the order after admitting the petition. The court also stayed the Tk one lakh fine imposed on Hitu by the lower court.

Advocate Mohammad Abbas Uddin represented the petitioner during the hearing.

According to case details, Asiya was assaulted on the night of March 5 this year while visiting her sister’s in-laws at Nijnanduali village in Sadar upazila of Magura. She was initially treated at Magura General Hospital before being shifted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital as her condition deteriorated. Later, she was moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and then to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, where she succumbed to her injuries on March 13.

The brutal crime sparked widespread protests across Bangladesh, demanding justice for the victim.

Police subsequently arrested four members of the same family in connection with the case: the victim’s brother-in-law Sajib Sheikh, 20, his brother Ratul Sheikh, 25, their father Hitu Sheikh, 50, and mother Jabeda Begum, 40.

Hitu Sheikh, the main accused, was later charged with rape and murder and gave a confessional statement before the court.

On May 17, a Magura court sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death, acquitting the three other accused. Following the conviction, Hitu filed an appeal against the verdict on June 25, which has now been formally taken up by the High Court for hearing.