Dhaka, Jun 07 (V7N) – Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman has expressed satisfaction with the verdict delivered in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa Akhter in the capital's Pallabi area, describing the completion of the trial within a short period as a significant achievement for the country's judicial system.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, the minister said the trial process was completed within six working days while maintaining all legal procedures.
"We have completed the trial process within six working days after going through every step of the law. This is a first in Bangladesh. For now, I am satisfied with the sentence announced in the trial. I hope that this verdict will be upheld even if it goes to the High Court," he said.
The minister described the rape and murder of Ramisa as a tragic and painful incident for the nation. He noted that the Prime Minister had earlier expressed optimism that the trial could be completed within one month.
Md. Asaduzzaman said the death reference and relevant case documents would be sent to the High Court Division within seven days. A paper book will then be prepared before the case is listed for hearing in accordance with legal procedures.
He further said that after the reopening of the High Court, an application would be submitted seeking expedited hearings in several high-profile cases, including those involving Ramisa, Sinha, Asia and Rajan.
According to the minister, if the concerned bench of the Supreme Court gives priority to the matter, there is a possibility that the legal process could be completed and the verdict implemented within the next three months.
Earlier on Sunday, Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal sentenced the main accused, Sohel Rana, and his wife, Swapna Khatun, to death in the widely discussed case.
The court also imposed a fine of Tk 500,000 on Sohel Rana and Tk 200,000 on Swapna Khatun. In its verdict, the tribunal found that the charges of rape and murder against Sohel Rana had been proven beyond reasonable doubt and that Swapna Khatun had assisted him following the crime.
The case drew nationwide attention after the body of second-grade student Ramisa Akhter was recovered from the residence of her neighbor in Pallabi on May 19. The trial was concluded within four days after formal proceedings began, making it one of the fastest-resolved rape and murder cases in the country's judicial history.
END/SMA/AJ
