Maximum punishment in a month: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared that "maximum punishment" for the 7-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa Akter rape and killing will be ensured within the next month.

He announced his government's determination to ensure justice at the programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Mymensingh's Trishal on Saturday.

The Prime Minister alleged that a quarter is trying to exploit the Ramisa killing to create unrest in the country. 

Speaking to local residents after inauguration of the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal in Trishal upazila in Mymensingh on the day the PM warned those who are trying to create unrest making the Ramisa killing an issue. He said several untoward incidents occurred during the interim government. But those who are now raising voices loudly were not seen in the field during that time. 

Tarique said, "The greatest damage, especially during the era of the ousted 'fascism', was done to humanity, humanitarianism, and the country's religious and social values, which were completely destroyed.

"The brutal death of an innocent girl in Dhaka's Mirpur serves as the ultimate proof of the final decay of human moral values."

He added, "The current government will not tolerate such child abuse or violence against women under any circumstances. And the current government will ensure the maximum punishment for Ramisa's 'killer' within the next month.

"That maximum punishment is the death penalty, so that in future, no person dares to abuse children or women in this manner."

On Thursday night, the premier visited Ramisa's residence in Pallabi. He spoke with the members of the victim's family.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who accompanied Tarique, later told journalists: "Police will submit the charge sheet for the Ramisa murder case to the court on Sunday afternoon."

On Tuesday, police recovered the body of the child in Dhaka's Pallabi. According to police account, the child was "raped" before being "murdered".

A man named Sohel Rana and his wife have been arrested in connection with this incident.