A Magura court is set to deliver its verdict today (May 17) in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asiya in the district, just over two months after the crime took place. 

The Magura District Court will announce the decision under tight security, with the four accused, including the main suspect, Hitu Sheikh, already brought to the court in a police van.

The case, heard by the Magura Women and Child Abuse Prevention Tribunal, concluded its arguments on May 13, with Judge M Zahid Hasan scheduling the verdict for Saturday. 

The trial, which wrapped up testimony in just 11 working days, has drawn widespread attention, with citizens and the victim’s family demanding the maximum punishment for the accused.

Asia was raped and murdered on March 5 in Magura Sadar Upazila while visiting her sister’s home in Nijnanduali during Ramadan holidays. 

Hitu Sheikh, the sister’s father-in-law, is accused of raping and attempting to kill the child, who later died at Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital. 

Asia’s mother, Aisha Akhter, filed a case against four suspects, including Hitu Sheikh, his wife Zaheda Begum, and their sons Sajeeb and Ratul Sheikh, all of whom are in custody.

“We have full faith in the court,” Aisha Akhter said on Friday. “We demand the harshest punishment so no other child suffers like Asiya.”

Lawyers expressed confidence in the evidence presented, hoping for an exemplary sentence to deter future crimes. 

SMS/