News Desk
A special tribunal has fixed June 7 for delivering its verdict in the sensational rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter, a second-grade student whose brutal killing in Dhaka’s Pallabi area last month shocked the nation and sparked widespread demands for justice.
Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Children’s Violence Suppression Tribunal set the date after the prosecution and defense concluded their final arguments on Saturday. The prosecution urged the court to hand down the highest possible punishment to both accused individuals, arguing that the evidence presented during the trial clearly established their involvement in the crime.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the horrific nature of the incident and the government’s commitment to ensuring a swift trial. Ramisa Akter, a Class-II student of Popular Model High School, was allegedly raped and beheaded by her neighbor, Sohel Rana, at his apartment in the Millat Camp area of Pallabi on May 19. Her father, Abdul Hannan Mollah, filed a case the following day, triggering a fast-track legal process.
Earlier on June 3, the two accused-Sohel Rana and his wife, Swapna Akter-submitted their self-defense statements before the tribunal. According to court officials, Sohel Rana appealed for mercy during his statement, while Swapna Akter denied all allegations against her and claimed complete innocence. She requested justice from the court and maintained that she had no involvement in the crime.
The tribunal completed the recording of prosecution witness testimonies on June 2. Of the 18 witnesses listed by the prosecution, 16 testified before the court and were later cross-examined by the defense. Their testimonies formed a critical part of the prosecution’s effort to establish the sequence of events and the alleged involvement of the accused.
Among the witnesses were Ramisa’s father Abdul Hannan Mollah, her mother Pervin Akter, sister Raisa Akter, aunt Mahmuda Akter, and uncles Mizanur Rahman Liton and Moniruzzaman Shahin. Several neighbors, including Monir Hossain, Zakirul Islam Raju, and Sheikh Abu Sama, also appeared before the tribunal.
The prosecution additionally presented testimony from law enforcement officials and medical experts. Constables Roma Akter and Sharif Miah testified during the proceedings, as did Sub-Inspector Iqbal Hossain, who prepared the inquest report. Dr. Nasad Jabin, who conducted the autopsy examination, also provided evidence before the court. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Aminul Islam Zunayed testified regarding the confessional statement allegedly made by Sohel Rana. Other key witnesses included Sub-Inspector Rashedul Islam and the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Wahiduzzaman.
On May 23, the government appointed Advocate Azizur Rahman Dulu as special public prosecutor to conduct the trial on behalf of the state before the Dhaka Metropolitan Children’s Violence Suppression Tribunal, a newly constituted court dealing exclusively with cases of violence against children.
The appointment came shortly after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman  announced that the maximum punishment for Ramisa’s killer would be ensured within one month.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman also said the government was committed to ensuring a speedy trial in the case.
Police submitted a charge sheet on May 24 against alleged rapist and killer Sohel Rana and his wife and alleged accomplice, Swapna Akter.
On the same day, the government appointed Advocate Musa Kalimullah as state defence counsel to represent the accused before the tribunal.
