The Dhaka Metropolitan Children's Violence Prevention Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict today in the widely discussed rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in the capital's Pallabi area.
The date for the judgment was fixed by Tribunal Judge Masrur Salekeen after concluding final arguments from both prosecution and defence.
The prosecution has sought the death penalty for both accused, arguing that witness testimonies, forensic and DNA evidence, material exhibits and confessional statements have established the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecutors said a complete chain of circumstances links prime accused Sohel Rana to the rape and murder of the child, while his wife, Swapna Akter, allegedly assisted in concealing evidence.
Referring to legal provisions on "special knowledge", the prosecution argued that the incident occurred inside the accused's residence, and they failed to offer any credible explanation regarding the child's death or disposal of the body.
The defence, however, sought life imprisonment for Sohel Rana and a lesser sentence for co-accused Swapna Akter, arguing that parts of the investigation were flawed and key material evidence was not properly examined. Defence counsel also said Sohel Rana had admitted involvement but pleaded for mercy.
Ramisa's father, Abdul Hannan Molla, said he still has faith in the justice system and hopes the verdict will set a historic precedent.
"Amid so much despair, I have seen the government keep its promise of a swift trial," he said. "As a father, I want the highest punishment, and I want to see it carried out without delay."
He also broke down while speaking at a roundtable in Dhaka, saying he never imagined being identified as the father of a victim of such a crime, and urged society to ensure no other family suffers similar trauma.
The case, completed within 19 days of the child's death, has drawn nationwide attention, with the country now awaiting a verdict seen as a crucial test of justice for child victims of violent crime.
