Death for Ramisa killers

A Dhaka court on Sunday sentenced Sohel Rana and his wife, Swapna Khatun, to death for their roles in the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in the capital’s Pallabi area, bringing a swift conclusion to one of the country’s most widely discussed child murder cases.

Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Repression Prevention Tribunal delivered the verdict at around 11:38am. The trial was completed within 19 days, making it one of the fastest concluded cases of its kind in recent years.

In addition to the death sentences, the court fined Sohel Rana Tk500,000 and Swapna Khatun Tk200,000. The money will be paid to the victim’s legal heirs.
Security was tightened around the court premises ahead of the verdict. Both convicts were brought to court under police escort and kept in the lock-up before being produced before the tribunal.

The courtroom became emotional as the verdict was announced. Swapna Khatun broke down in tears, while Sohel Rana remained largely expressionless throughout the proceedings.

According to the prosecution, Ramisa, a second-grade student, was raped and murdered on May 19 inside a flat in Pallabi. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection of children and speedy justice in cases involving violence against minors.

Police arrested Sohel Rana from Narayanganj on the day of the incident, while Swapna Khatun was also detained. The following day, Ramisa’s father, Abdul Hannan Molla, filed a case with Pallabi Police Station.

Investigators submitted the charge sheet on May 24, accusing Sohel Rana of rape and murder and charging Swapna Khatun with assisting in the commission of the crime. The case was subsequently transferred to the tribunal for trial.

The court heard testimony from 16 witnesses during the proceedings. After concluding arguments on June 5, the tribunal fixed June 8 for delivery of the verdict.

In its observations, the court found that the charges against Sohel Rana had been proved beyond reasonable doubt and that Swapna Khatun had facilitated the crime and failed to prevent it despite having the opportunity to do so. Both were convicted under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

Judge Masrur Salekin described the case as more than a criminal trial, saying it represented a test of society’s commitment to justice, humanity and the protection of children.

He observed that crimes involving children not only devastate families but also raise broader questions about public safety and the effectiveness of the justice system.

The judge noted that ensuring the safety, dignity and protection of children is a fundamental responsibility of the state.

The tribunal also highlighted the large number of pending cases involving violence against women and children. According to the court, more than 1,800 such cases are currently awaiting disposal.

The judge commended the investigating officer, prosecutors and others involved in the case for completing the investigation and trial within a comparatively short period.

He expressed hope that the efficiency demonstrated in the proceedings would serve as a model for handling similar cases in the future.

Following the verdict, Ramisa’s father expressed satisfaction with the ruling but said full justice would only be achieved once the sentence is carried out.
“Alhamdulillah, I am satisfied with the verdict. But I will be fully satisfied when the punishment is implemented,” he told reporters.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and the Home Minister for identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the rape and murder of child Ramisa.

A press release stated that at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee held at the National Parliament Building at 2:00 PM on Sunday, the Prime Minister praised the effective role of the relevant ministries and law enforcement agencies in swiftly identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

He specially thanked the Law Minister and the Home Minister, saying the rapid investigation, identification of the criminals, and their arrest reflected the government’s firm commitment to maintaining law and order.

Attorney General Asaduzzaman said the case demonstrated how coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary could contribute to the swift administration of justice.

Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed said the government would take the necessary legal steps to ensure the appeal process is handled without unnecessary delay.

He indicated that the matter could be brought to the attention of the higher courts for expedited consideration.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman also welcomed the verdict, saying it had helped restore public confidence in the justice system.

The killing of Ramisa generated widespread public attention and prompted demands for a speedy trial from civil society groups, rights activists and members of the public. The case was closely monitored as an indicator of the justice system’s response to serious crimes against children.

Under Bangladeshi law, death sentences handed down by a trial court require confirmation by the High Court before they can be carried out. The verdict will therefore be subject to the appellate process before becoming final.