Magura Child Rape Accused's House Torched as Victim Laid to Rest

Magura child, who succumbed to her injuries at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) a week after the assault, was laid to rest in her village home at Jaria in Sreepur upazila on Thursday. 

Her body was airlifted to Magura stadium around 5:15pm, after which her namaz-e-janaza took place at Nomani Maidan following Maghrib prayers. 

Hundreds attended the funeral, including Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar. She was later buried near her home.

As news of her death spread, enraged locals set fire to the house of Hitu Sheikh, the prime accused, at Nijnanduali village in Sadar upazila on Thursday evening, reflecting the public’s anger over the crime.

The incident occurred on March 5 when the child was visiting her sister’s in-laws’ home in Nijnanduali. She went to bed with her sister but was later found missing. After a frantic search, she was discovered unconscious a short distance away, having been sexually assaulted.

Initially treated at Magura General Hospital, she was later moved to Faridpur Medical College Hospital as her condition deteriorated. She was then transferred to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) before being taken to CMH, where she ultimately passed away.

The crime has ignited protests nationwide, with university students, including those from Dhaka University, taking to the streets to demand the death penalty for the perpetrator. 

The brutal rape and death of an eight-year-old girl has shaken the conscience of Bangladesh and beyond, sparking calls for stricter measures to protect children. 

The tragedy has deeply moved the administration and guardians, prompting discussions on ensuring better safety to prevent such horrific incidents in the future.