After an eight-day fight for her life, eight-year-old Magura rape victim Asiya died at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka on Thursday, sending a wave of grief and outrage across the nation.

Prof Col Nazmul Hamid at the Paediatric Neurology Department of the hospital said the child suffered three more cardiac arrests on Thursday.

“We had been able to bring back her heartbeat for the first two cardiac arrests. However, despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, she could not be revived after the third arrest,” he said, adding that she was declared dead at 1:00 pm.

After hearing the death news of the innocent girl, her mother burst into tears at the hospital and shouted: "I want death sentences for the killers."

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate in a press release said the Magura rape victim breathed her last at the CMH at 1:00 pm. “She could not be revived even after the highest effort by specialised doctors with modern treatment. The child suffered three more cardiac arrests on Thursday. Her heartbeat did not return after the third arrest."

It said the child was brought to the CMH on 8 March in a critical condition.

Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus expressed profound shock at the death of the eight-year-old rape victim.

He also ordered bringing the accused to book through a speedy trial, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir.

The Bangladesh Army also expressed shock at the death of the minor girl and prayed for her salvation.

It also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, pledging to stand by her family in any need.

On Tuesday, the health of the victim somewhat improved, but it deteriorated again the following day as she suffered two cardiac arrests.

Hearing the death of the child, hundreds of people gathered at their house at Sonaikundi in Sreepur upazila of Magura.

The body of the child was taken to Magura by an army helicopter. The child's mother and Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter were with the body in the helicopter. It landed at the Magura Stadium around 6:00 pm.

The air of the area became heavy with the cries of family members and relatives of the deceased.

Farida told reporters that the government is seeing the rape and death incident with utmost importance. "Because it is unacceptable for such a young girl to be raped, it is unacceptable for anyone. The child is our daughter. So, we are looking at it in this way."

Later, her Namaz-e-Janaza was held at Nomani Maidan around 7:00 pm, where thousands of people took part.

The participants demanded exemplary punishment for the killers.

The minor girl was laid to eternal rest at their native village at Sonaikundi.

The child, who was visiting her elder sister’s home in Magura during Ramadan break, was allegedly raped in the intervening night of 5 and 6 March.

She was first taken to Magura 250-bed Hospital, from where she was shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Later, she was taken to the CMH on 8 March.

After the rape, the victim’s mother filed a case against child’s brother-in-law Sojib Hossain, 19, his father Hitu Mia, 42, who allegedly raped her, Sojib’s brother Ratul Sheikh, 17, and their mother Jabeda Begum, 40. All four were arrested.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said the government expects that the trial of case filed in connection with the death of the eight-year-old girl from Magura can begin within seven days.

Law enforcement, medical professionals and the judiciary are working with utmost urgency on this effort, he said.

There have been precedents where sensational cases were concluded within seven to eight days, the law adviser said at a press conference at the Secretariat.

Besides, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, in a text message, said the investigation in connection with the case will be completed as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, angry mob set fire to the house of the victim’s brother-in-law around 7:45 pm.

Law must be passed in legitimate parliament to punish rapist openly: Mirza Fakhrul

Strongly condemning the rape and murder of Asiya, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said law will have to be passed in a legitimate parliament to punish the rapists openly in the country.

“The rape of women and children is a continuation of the immoral rule of the previous fascist government. Therefore, now this tradition must be broken and the state must be brought to a moral place,” he said in a written statement issued on Thursday to protest the rape and murder of Asiya who died in a hospital while undergoing treatment.

Mirza Fakhrul said the incidents of rape have been increased horribly across the country while many do not disclose out of fear or respect.

“Women of all ages are being affected – not a single child is left out. Due to the lack of authority of the administration, rape incidents are increasing gradually and this is damaging the image of our country,” he continued.

Mirza Fakhrul also said the current law and order situation in the country is causing concern across the country. “Violence against women and children is of great concern for the country and the nation.”

He said it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the security of every citizen. So, I call on the government and administration to take immediate action against these crimes, give exemplary punishment to the culprits and take effective steps to create a safe environment for children.”

“It is not possible to accept what is happening in the country now. Women and children are the victims in this time of social unrest. I strongly demand the safety of women and children,” he added.

“This incident has shaken everyone," he added.

He also expressed deep shock at the death of Asiya and expressed condolences for the bereaved family members.

Mirza Fakhrul said that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman enquired about the condition of Asiya round the clock, arranged for her treatment and appointed a lawyers’ panel for providing legal aid to the victim’s family.

Jamaat chief proposes observance of ‘Asiya Day’ on 13 March

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said that the country has turned into a haven for crime and criminals.

He also called for the exemplary punishment of the rapists and murderers of Magura child Asiya and proposed observing “Asiya Day” on 13 March.

“The reason for the instability in our society is that the country is ruled by man-made ideologies. As a result, it has become a sanctuary for crime and criminals,” he said.

Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an iftar gathering organised by the Mirpur East Thana unit of Jamaat-e-Islami at Mirpur School and College grounds, near 60 Feet Road in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday.

The Jamaat leader emphasised that for the freedom of humanity worldwide, the teachings of the Quran must be established in all aspects of individual, social, family, and state life.

“If the country were governed by the Quran, there would be no irregularities, corruption, misrule, murder, rape, or kidnapping,” he added.

Commenting on the tragic rape and murder of Asiya in Magura, the Jamaat ameer pointed out that incidents like these continue because the country lacks Quranic teachings. He expressed deep grief over Asiya’s death and prayed for her to attain the highest position in Paradise.

He also offered condolences to Asiya’s bereaved family and prayed for their patience and strength. Rahman demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for Asiya’s rape and murder.

He called for a united effort to transform the country into a welfare state based on Islamic ideals, saying, “Only then can the country become a haven of peace.”

Shafiqur Rahman reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami's commitment to building a Bangladesh free from corruption, misrule, and mismanagement, founded on the principles of the Quran and Sunnah.

He expressed the party’s vision for a peaceful society where people live happily and peacefully with their rights. “There will be no corruption, extortion, tender rigging, robbery, kidnapping, rape, or any other crimes in the country,” he said.