A Dhaka court on Sunday sentenced a couple to death for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in the capital's Pallabi area. The court delivered the verdict in just 19 days after the crime.
Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for the Prevention of Violence Against Children handed down the death penalty to Sohel Rana and his wife, Swapna Khatun, under Section 9(2) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
The court also fined Sohel Tk 500,000 and Swapna Tk 200,000, ordering that the money be paid to Ramisa's legal heirs. The tribunal further directed that if the fines remain unpaid, the convicts' movable and immovable properties be auctioned and the proceeds handed over to the victim's family.
Expressing satisfaction after the verdict, Ramisa's father said, "We have received justice."
Special Public Prosecutor Azizur Rahman Dulu said there should be no room for leniency in crimes against children. He said the court reached its decision after reviewing witness testimonies, DNA evidence, forensic reports and other material evidence, adding that exemplary punishment is essential to ensure children's safety and deter future crimes.
State-appointed defence lawyer Advocate Musa Alimullah also acknowledged the significance of the judgment, noting that the principal accused had earlier made a confessional statement and did not present any defence witness. He described the verdict as part of the due judicial process, while noting that the convicts retain the right to appeal.
Dhaka Bar Association Secretary Abul Kalam Khan said the verdict reflected public concern over rising crimes against children and expressed hope that the legal process would move swiftly through the higher courts.
The verdict was welcomed by many people present at the court premises, who said it sent a strong message against sexual violence and crimes targeting children.
Security was tightened around the court complex ahead of the verdict, with more than 100 police personnel deployed.
In its verdict, the court said evidence, including Sohel Rana's confessional statement, testimony from the investigating officer and medical reports, proved his involvement in the rape and murder of the child.
The court also found Swapna Khatun guilty of assisting in the crime, stating that she was present at the apartment and failed to prevent the rape, murder or subsequent attempts to conceal the offence.
The tribunal observed that crimes against children not only devastate families but also challenge the conscience of society and the effectiveness of the justice system. It said ensuring children's safety, dignity and protection is a fundamental responsibility of a humane and civilised state.
"This case is not merely a criminal proceeding; it is a test of society's conscience, humanity, law enforcement and the rule of law," the court observed.
The judge noted that the case was of particular significance as the investigation, trial proceedings and witness examinations were completed within a short period. The court also appreciated the investigation agency and prosecution for completing their responsibilities swiftly.
According to the case documents, Ramisa, a second-grade student, went missing on the morning of May 19. Later that day, her family found her body inside Sohel Rana's apartment in Pallabi. Police subsequently recovered additional evidence from the residence.
Police said Sohel fled the apartment by breaking the grill of a bathroom window after the incident, while his wife Swapna was detained at the scene. Sohel was later arrested in Fatullah, Narayanganj, on the same day.
Ramisa's father filed a case with Pallabi Police Station following the incident.
On May 20, both accused reportedly gave confessional statements before a Dhaka metropolitan magistrate. The tribunal framed charges against Sohel Rana and Swapna Khatun on June 1 and formally began the trial.
The prosecution submitted its charge sheet on May 24, naming 18 witnesses. Testimony concluded on June 2, while arguments from both the prosecution and defence ended on June 4.
The court fixed June 7 for the verdict, which was delivered at around 11:40am.
During the judgment, the court said evidence showed that Sohel committed the rape and murder between 9:00am and 11:00am on May 19 before fleeing the scene.
Noting that the tribunal currently handles more than 1,800 pending cases involving violence, sexual abuse and other serious offences against children, the judge said the swift completion of this case could serve as an example for future proceedings.
