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Outrage grows over Ramisa’s rape and murder
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 23 May 2026, 12:00 AM
A wave of anger, grief and fear has swept across the country after the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi. Protests and demands for quick justice continued in different parts of the capital.
From Friday morning, residents, along with members of various social and volunteer groups, gathered in front of Ramisa’s house in Section-11 of Pallabi. Many carried placards with the slogans “Justice for Ramisa”, “Death penalty for the killer” and “Stop rape and murder of children.” Human chains and protest programmes continued throughout the day in the area.
Lamia Khanom, who joined the human chain, said parents are now living in constant fear for their children. “No one can commit such brutality against a child,” she added.
Local resident Rubaiyat Tasneem questioned the justice process, saying the accused had already confessed. “Why should he not receive the highest punishment? If the state cannot ensure justice, then let the people do it. How many more children must die?” she added.
The same location had already been occupied from Thursday night, with protesters chanting “Justice for Ramisa,” “We want hanging” and “Destroy the shelters of criminals.” Movement of vehicles remained halted for hours due to the blockade.
Protesters demanded the death penalty be carried out within 24 hours, arguing that delays in justice are allowing similar crimes to continue in the country.
Family members said Ramisa was buried on Wednesday night around 9:30pm beside her grandparents in the courtyard of Baitul Aman Jame Mosque in Ichhapura union of Sirajdikhan upazila.
Ramisa’s uncle, Md Salah Uddin, said her parents remain in extreme shock. “They faint repeatedly. They have not stopped crying for two days and are not eating properly. We are only giving them water, and even that with some difficulty,” he added.
He added that Ramisa’s mother is still holding her daughter’s clothes and belongings, crying continuously, while her father Abdul Hannan Molla is devastated and repeatedly recalling Ramisa’s last wishes. He had bought a burqa for her just two days before the incident, which she never got to wear.
Ramisa was supposed to return to her grandparents’ house in a few days to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with her parents and sister, a return that will never happen.
He said the prime minister spoke to him “as a father and elder brother” and assured him of a fair and speedy trial.
“I have full faith in his words, assurances and sincerity. I believe my daughter’s killers will receive justice,” he added.
He further said that, “Under Bangladesh’s laws, I expect the highest punishment for the killer. In my presence, the prime minister instructed the law minister to ensure the maximum punishment allowed by law.”
State Prosecutor Md Harun Or Rashid said on Friday that, “The DNA test process takes about 48 hours. If completed by Saturday, we expect the charge sheet by Sunday.”
He added that instructions have been given to complete the investigation quickly as Sunday is the last working day before the holiday.
Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed condolences to the victim’s family and assured them of a fair and swift investigation. At that time, he also took responsibility for the future of Ramisa’s elder sister.
Senior government officials, including the Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, were present.
Later, he was arrested from Narayanganj’s Fatullah area and gave a confessional statement in court. His wife was also arrested in connection with the case.