High Court verdict today in Asiya rape and murder case

The High Court is set to deliver its verdict on Monday (31 August), on whether to uphold the death sentence handed down by a trial court in the widely discussed rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asiya (also known as Ayesha) in Magura.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja will deliver the verdict on the death reference and appeal filed in connection with the case involving the main accused, Hitu Sheikh.

The verdict was initially scheduled to be delivered on 25 August but was deferred following an application by the prosecution. After the hearing, the court fixed 31 August for the judgment.

Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tarek said all relevant evidence, including witness testimonies, Hitu Sheikh’s confessional statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and medical reports, had been presented before the court.

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“The prosecution expects that the death sentence handed down by the trial court will be upheld by the High Court,” he said.

On the other hand, Hafizur Rahman Khan, the state-appointed lawyer representing Hitu Sheikh, sought his acquittal.

Following Asiya’s death, a case was filed with the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal against four people, including Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of Asiya’s sister.

A total of 29 witnesses, including Asiya’s elder sister Hamida, testified in the case. Hitu Sheikh also gave a confessional statement under Section 164.

On 17 May 2025, the tribunal sentenced the main accused, Hitu Sheikh, to death. In the same verdict, Asiya’s brother-in-law Sajib Sheikh, his brother Ratul Sheikh and their mother Jaheda Begum were acquitted.

Four days after the tribunal delivered its verdict, the case records were sent to the High Court as a death reference for confirmation of the sentence.