News Desk

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the government will ensure the maximum punishment, including the death penalty, for those responsible for the murder of a girl named Ramisa in Mirpur, Dhaka. The statement was made on May 23 while he was inaugurating a three-day national programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Trishal.

Speaking at the inaugural event held at the Nazrul Mancha on the Nazrul Academy grounds in Darirampur, Trishal, the Prime Minister described the killing of Ramisa as a tragic example of what he called a broader moral decline in society. He stated that violence against children and women reflects a deeper erosion of humanity, compassion, and long-standing cultural and religious values.

He said that the government would not tolerate such crimes under any circumstances and would ensure swift legal action. “The maximum punishment for Ramisa’s killer will be ensured within the next one month,” he said, emphasizing that the penalty would serve as a deterrent against future incidents of child abuse and violence against women.

The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of restoring the rule of law and reforming political culture in order to build what he described as a safe and humane state. He linked these goals to broader efforts to revive traditional social and cultural values, highlighting the relevance of the works and philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam in shaping national consciousness.

Following the incident, the Prime Minister reportedly visited Ramisa’s family residence in Pallabi, Dhaka, on May  night, where he met the victim’s father and elder sister. He assured the grieving family that the investigation would be completed quickly and that justice would be delivered without delay.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit, told journalists that the charge sheet in the Ramisa murder case would be submitted to the court by Sunday afternoon, indicating an accelerated legal process in the high-profile case.

The three-day cultural programme marking the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam was organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The opening ceremony featured participation from several government officials, cultural figures, and academics.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the inaugural function, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom and State Minister for Jute and Textiles Md Shariful Alam also addressed the gathering. Local lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton, Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Kaniz Moula, and Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince were among the officials present.

Also speaking at the event were Md Latiful Islam Shibli, Executive Director of the Kabi Nazrul Institute, and Khilkhil Kazi, granddaughter of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Chairperson of the Trustee Board of the Kabi Nazrul Institute. Representatives from academia, including Professor Tarikh Monjur of the Bangla Department at Dhaka University, also participated in discussions on Nazrul’s legacy and cultural significance.

The programme, held in Trishal-a location closely associated with the poet’s early life—aims to promote Nazrul’s ideals of resistance, humanism, and cultural unity. Organizers stated that the event will continue for three days with cultural performances, discussions, and commemorative sessions dedicated to the national poet.

Authorities have said that security and administrative coordination have been strengthened around the ongoing programme, given its national significance and the presence of senior government officials. The government has framed the combined focus on justice in the Ramisa case and the Nazrul commemorations as part of a broader message on restoring moral values and strengthening social cohesion.