Bangladesh Couple Awarded Death Sentence for Child Ramisa's Rape and Murder After Six-Day Trial

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Dhaka, June 7: A Dhaka court on Sunday sentenced a husband and wife to death for the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, in a verdict that underscores the severity of crimes against children and the legal consequences for offenders.

Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Children’s Repression Prevention Tribunal delivered the judgment, convicting Sohel Rana and his wife, Swapna Akter, in the widely discussed Ramisa murder case. The court also imposed fines of Tk 500,000 on Rana and Tk 200,000 on Akter.

According to the case details presented before the court, Ramisa, a second-grade student of Popular Model High School, went missing from her residential area on the morning of May 19. Her family launched a search after she failed to return home. During the search, her shoes were reportedly found outside the residence of the accused couple.

When repeated attempts to contact the occupants of the room failed, family members and neighbours entered the residence and discovered the child's body. Police were immediately notified through the national emergency service.

Law enforcement officers detained Swapna Akter at the scene, while Sohel Rana was arrested later the same day in Narayanganj. Investigators subsequently filed charges against the couple.

The tribunal heard testimony from 16 witnesses during the trial. After reviewing the evidence and witness statements, the court found the accused guilty and handed down the death sentence.

The case sparked widespread public outrage and renewed concerns over violence against children. Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger preventive measures, greater community vigilance, and swift justice in cases involving abuse and violence against minors.

The verdict is being viewed as a significant development in the pursuit of justice for child victims and a warning that crimes against children will face the harshest penalties under the law.