Asiya murder case: HC starts hearing death reference

The High Court on Tuesday began hearing on a priority basis the death reference and jail appeals in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asiya of Magura.

The bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja began the hearing, with Deputy Attorney General Md Imam Hossain Tarek and Assistant Attorneys General Rohani Siddiqua and Mahbuba Tasnim Akhi appearing for the state.

The Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal on 17 May 2025 sentenced Hitu Sheikh, father-in-law of Asiya’s elder sister, to death for the offence. It acquitted Hitu’s wife, Jaheda Begum, and their sons Ratul Sheikh and Sajib Sheikh of the charges.

The death reference was sent to the High Court for approval on 21 May 2025.

Asiya was raped on 6 March 2025 while visiting her elder sister-in-law’s house. She was initially taken to Magura Sadar Hospital in critical condition and later transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, where she died on 13 March.

Following the incident, Asiya’s mother filed a case with Magura Sadar Police Station on 8 March under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury formed the High Court bench on 10 June 2026 to exclusively hear and dispose of cases involving death sentences handed down under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

The hearing in the Asiya case is being conducted on a priority basis before the bench.