The verdict delivered on June 7, 2026, by a special tribunal in Dhaka sentencing two prime accused to death for the rape and murder of eight-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa Akter has brought a measure of relief to a grieving nation. The judgment came only 19 days after the horrific crime took place in Dhaka’s Pallabi area on May 19, a remarkably swift conclusion in a country where criminal cases often drag on for years. The brutality of the crime shocked the nation and triggered widespread outrage. Following the incident, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally visited the victim’s family, expressed condolences, and assured them that justice would be delivered swiftly. The tribunal’s verdict fulfilled that promise.
The victim’s family expressed satisfaction that the judgment was delivered within such a short period and urged the authorities to ensure its prompt execution. The speed with which the case progressed demonstrated that Bangladesh’s justice system is capable of acting with urgency when public attention, political commitment, and administrative coordination exist. The question now is whether such urgency can become the norm rather than the exception.
Ramisa’s case is not the first example of expedited justice. In March 2025, the brutal rape and murder of eight-year-old Asiya in Magura also sparked nationwide outrage. In that case, the verdict was delivered within 73 days of the filing of the case. While these examples may appear encouraging, they represent only a tiny fraction of reality. For every high-profile case that captures national attention, hundreds of other victims remain trapped in a justice system that is slow, overburdened, and often incapable of delivering accountability.
The scale of violence against women and children in Bangladesh is deeply alarming. According to the web-based platform ‘Shishurai Shob’, at least 124 children were murdered in Bangladesh during 2025. Yet only 35 of those cases resulted in formal charges, and merely two ended in convictions. Such figures reveal a painful truth: most victims never receive justice.
The swift verdict in Asiya’s case created an impression that the state had finally awakened to the gravity of the problem. Yet the months that followed demonstrated otherwise. Despite the conviction, rapes continued. This suggests that while swift punishment may provide justice after a crime has occurred, it does not necessarily prevent future crimes unless deeper social and institutional causes are addressed.
The response of policymakers has often focused on introducing tougher laws. In April 2026, Parliament passed the Women and Children Repression Prevention (Amendment) Bill, reducing the statutory time limit for the disposal of rape cases after charges are framed from 180 days to 90 days. While the intention behind this reform is commendable, legislation alone cannot solve the problem.
Bangladesh urgently requires a substantial expansion of its institutional capabilities. The number of Nari O Shishu Nirjatan Daman tribunals must be significantly. Dedicated forensic units should be attached to these tribunals. Professionalizing investigations is equally essential. Many cases collapse because evidence is improperly handled, forensic reports arrive too late, or traumatized child victims are interviewed in unsuitable conditions. Every district should establish women-led specialized investigation units equipped with trained personnel and clear rape-evidence protocols. Statutory deadlines for forensic reporting should also be strictly enforced.
Witness protection remains another critical weakness. Bangladesh still lacks an operational witness protection framework. A comprehensive witness protection law providing relocation assistance, identity protection, and severe penalties for intimidation is urgently needed. Similarly, the culture of out-of-court compromise in rape cases must end. Such compromises should be criminalized, and prosecutors should be empowered to continue cases regardless of whether families later withdraw their complaints. Education also has a crucial role to play. Schools, colleges, and madrasas should incorporate age-appropriate education emphasizing dignity, respect, and the rights of children.
Drug addiction has emerged as a major catalyst behind the breakdown of safety and security in many communities. Bangladesh recorded at least 1,142 murders between January and April 2026, averaging approximately three killings every day. In a significant number of cases, the perpetrators were reportedly involved with drugs. Drug addiction destroys judgment, weakens self-control, fuels aggression, and often leads individuals toward criminal behavior.
The connection between drug abuse and crimes such as rape and murder cannot be ignored. Drug-impaired individuals are more likely to engage in reckless, predatory, and violent behavior. Many perpetrators of sexual violence have histories of substance abuse. If Bangladesh is serious about protecting women and children, it must treat drug addiction as a national security issue rather than merely a public health concern. A comprehensive anti-drug campaign is therefore essential. Law enforcement agencies must intensify efforts against trafficking networks. Prevention programs targeting young people are equally important.
The uncontrolled and unethical use of social media and the internet represents another challenge. Exposure to pornography and violent content has increased dramatically in recent years. Individuals of all ages can easily access materials that normalize exploitation, objectification, and criminal behavior. Such content may not directly cause violence, but it can influence attitudes, desensitize viewers, and encourage harmful behavior among vulnerable individuals. Women and children, including both girls and boys, are increasingly exposed to risks arising from the misuse of digital platforms.
The tragic deaths of Ramisa and Asiya should not be remembered merely as isolated criminal cases. They should serve as a wake-up call for the nation. Swift verdicts are important, but they are not enough. Bangladesh must build a justice system that delivers accountability consistently, not only when public outrage reaches its peak. More importantly, the country must confront the deeper social problems fueling violence, particularly the growing epidemic of drug addiction.
The government, political leaders, social activists, religious scholars, educators, community leaders, parents, and citizens must unite to ensure the safety of women and children. The ultimate measure of a society is not the height of its buildings or the size of its economy but its ability to protect its most vulnerable members.Hence, Bangladesh must ensure that every child and every woman can prosper in safety, dignity, and hope.
The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla
