May no mother ever lose her child again: Asiya’s mother

The High Court has upheld the death sentence of Hitu Sheikh, the prime accused in the widely discussed rape and murder case of eight-year-old child Asiya in Magura. 

Following the verdict, Asiya’s mother, Ayesha Khatun, expressed satisfaction and demanded that the death sentence be carried out as soon as possible. She also expressed concerns about her family’s security following the verdict.

Speaking to journalists at her home in Magura on Monday (August 31), following the High Court verdict, Asiya’s mother said, “I want the verdict to be implemented as soon as possible. I want to hear it with my own ears and see it with my own eyes. Only then will I feel reassured and find peace. Asiya will also find peace.”

She said the brutal incident that happened to her daughter should never happen to another child. No parent should ever have to witness such a tragic fate for their child.

Asiya’s mother further said, “No child like Asiya should ever be subjected to such abuse. May no mother ever lose her child again. I do not want any child to die the way my daughter did.”

Asiya’s mother said she has still not been able to overcome the grief of losing her daughter. Although she has found some relief after the High Court upheld the death sentence following a lengthy legal process, she said she would not be completely at peace until the sentence is actually carried out.

Calling on the government to stand by her family, Asiya’s mother said, “I have only one request to the government - to look after my family and children. I will never get my daughter back. But I need your support so that I can keep my other children safe.”

According to case documents and information provided by the family, eight-year-old Asiya was raped in the Nijnanduali area of Magura town on the morning of March 6, 2025. It was alleged that Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of Asiya’s elder sister, raped the child and then attempted to kill her.

The critically injured child was initially taken to a local hospital. She was later transferred to Dhaka for better treatment. Asiya died while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on March 13.

Following her daughter’s death, Asiya’s mother filed a case against four people, including Hitu Sheikh. Police subsequently arrested the accused.

In the much-discussed case, police submitted the charge sheet to the court on April 13, 2025. The trial proceedings began shortly afterward. Following the framing of charges, the recording of witness statements began on April 27.

A total of 29 prosecution witnesses testified before the court. The recording of evidence and other trial proceedings were completed in just 13 working days. After the prosecution and defence presented their arguments, the court delivered its verdict on May 17, 2025.

In the child rape and murder case, the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal sentenced prime accused Hitu Sheikh to death. He was also fined Tk 100,000.

However, the court acquitted the other three accused.

Later, a death reference was submitted to the High Court for confirmation of the tribunal’s death sentence. The High Court also heard the appeal filed by the defence and other related applications.

After lengthy hearings, a High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice K. M. Rasheduzzaman Raja delivered its verdict on Monday (August 31), upholding Hitu Sheikh’s death sentence.

Following the High Court verdict, a sense of relief has returned among Asiya’s family and local residents. However, they are now waiting for the sentence to be carried out. Asiya’s mother wants the remaining legal procedures to be completed quickly and the death sentence executed without delay.

Carrying the grief of losing her daughter in her heart, Asiya’s mother has one final hope: “May no child like Asiya ever be subjected to abuse again, and may no mother ever have to lose her child again.”

-MEA/SA