HC upholds death sentence of lone accused

The High Court has upheld the death sentence of Hitu Sheikh, the lone accused convicted in the rape and murder of child Achiya in Magura.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja delivered the verdict on Monday. The court had initially fixed August 25 for the verdict, but the hearing was deferred following a petition from the state. The matter was later rescheduled for Monday.

Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tarek had earlier said the prosecution presented substantial evidence during the trial, including witness testimonies, Hitu Sheikh’s confessional statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and medical reports.

The case was filed with the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal against four people, including Hitu Sheikh, who was the father-in-law of Achiya’s sister.

A total of 29 witnesses, including Achiya’s elder sister Hamida, testified during the trial. Hitu Sheikh also gave a confessional statement under Section 164.

On May 17, 2025, the tribunal sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death for the rape and murder of the child.
In the same judgment, the tribunal acquitted the other three accused-Sajib Sheikh, Achiya’s sister’s husband; Ratul Sheikh, Sajib’s brother; and Jaheda Begum, their mother.

The High Court’s decision leaves Hitu Sheikh’s death sentence in place. The case may now proceed through the further legal processes available under Bangladeshi law.