A profound test of society’s conscience and humanity: Court on Ramisa murder trial

A Dhaka tribunal on Sunday sentenced the accused couple— Sohel Rana and Swapna Akter— to death after convicting them in the high-profile rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, Ramisa Akter, in the capital’s Pallabi area.

Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal announced the death sentences in the presence of the accused at around 11:30am.

In its observations in the verdict, it is one of the fundamental responsibilities of a civilized and humane state to ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of children.

The judge observed that Ramisa's case was not merely a criminal trial but also a profound test of society's conscience, humanity, law enforcement system, and commitment to the rule of law.

"Every page of this case, filed over the brutal extinguishing of an innocent child's life, is filled with pain, anger, concern, and an expectation of justice," the court said.

The tribunal also observed that when a child becomes a victim of heinous crimes such as sexual abuse, violence, or murder, it both devastates a family and deeply wounds society and raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system.

Referring to the workload of around 1800 pending cases before the tribunal, the judge noted that behind every case lies the unbearable suffering of a child, the anguish of a family, and the hopes of countless people awaiting justice.

Ramisa's case carried special significance because the investigation, trial proceedings, and recording of evidence were completed comparatively swiftly; the tribunal commended, praising the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the investigating officer, prosecutors, and all others involved in the judicial process.

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Sohel, Swapna sentenced to death in Ramisa rape and murder case

The court also expressed hope that the prompt, efficient, impartial, and quality investigation and trial conducted in Ramisa's case would serve as a model for handling other cases involving child abuse and violence in the future.

It also stressed that justice requires the responsible participation of investigators, prosecutors, defense lawyers, witnesses, and all stakeholders within the justice system, which cannot be achieved through the efforts of the court alone.

"The duty of the court is not to be guided by emotion but to uncover the truth through law, evidence, and the enduring principles of justice," the judge said, noting that it delivered the verdict after carefully examining the evidence, exhibits, medical reports, and the overall circumstances of the case with utmost caution, sensitivity, and judicial impartiality to ensure justice.