The verdict in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asiya from Magura is set to be announced on Saturday (May 17). 

The case has drawn nationwide attention and raised demands for the maximum punishment for the accused.

The victim’s family, legal representatives, and citizens across the country have called for exemplary punishment to ensure justice for Asiya and to prevent such brutal crimes in the future. 

According to lawyers, strong witness testimonies and evidence have been presented in court, giving hope for a decisive verdict.

“We fully trust the court,” said Ayesha Akter, Asiya’s mother. “We demand the highest punishment for those responsible so that no other child has to suffer like my daughter did.”

The horrific incident took place on the night of March 5, during Ramadan, when Asiya was visiting her sister’s house in the Nijnanduali area of Magura Sadar. She was raped and severely injured by her sister’s father-in-law, Hitu Sheikh. After her condition worsened, she was taken from Magura to Faridpur and then transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, where she later died while undergoing treatment.

Following the incident, Asiya’s mother filed a case accusing Hitu Sheikh (47) as the prime suspect. Three other family members—his wife Jaheda Begum (40), son Sajib Sheikh (19), and younger son Ratul Sheikh (17)—were also named in the case. All four accused are currently in jail.

MSK/