Public outrage mounts over Ramisa murder

Public outrage over the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi continued to mount in the capital and across the country yesterday, with protesters demanding the highest punishment for those responsible and a speedy trial through a special tribunal for the third consecutive day.

Students, guardians, teachers, and political activists joined demonstrations in different areas, urging law enforcement agencies to play a more proactive role in ensuring justice.

Carrying placards reading “We want justice” and “Justice for Ramisa”, protesters gathered near the victim’s residence and the Pallabi Police Station.

Students and locals also blocked Kalshi Road for some time, disrupting traffic in surrounding areas.

Amid growing public anger, the government said a swift trial would be ensured through a proper investigation and directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps accordingly.

Eight-year-old Ramisa was found beheaded at her neighbour’s home in Pallabi on May 16.

The neighbour, Sohel Rana, 31, has been accused of raping and killing the child. On Wednesday, he gave a confessional statement before a magistrate and was later sent to jail.

Sohel’s wife, Swapna Akter, 26, was also sent to jail after police appealed to another court to keep her in custody as an alleged accomplice.

Police suspect Swapna helped Sohel flee after the incident.

The case was filed by Ramisa’s father, Abdul Hannan Molla, who named Sohel, Swapna, and an unidentified person as accused.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Law Minister Asaduzzaman said he had asked the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner to complete the investigation report within a week and that the government would take all possible steps to ensure a speedy trial.

“The government wants to set an example through the trial of Ramisa’s murder case, as it did in the Asiya murder case,” he said, adding that the case would be tried under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal.

At a separate briefing at the Secretariat, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the case would be properly investigated and the chargesheet submitted quickly so that an exemplary trial could be completed at the earliest.

“A proper investigation will be conducted and the chargesheet will be submitted soon. The responsibility for judgement lies with the court.”

Responding to questions about impunity, he said the claim that a culture of impunity exists in all such cases was not correct. “In some cases, justice is delayed, which makes people think they might not get it at all…. In this case, I can guarantee this much: an exemplary trial will be completed in the shortest possible time.”

Speaking to The Daily Star yesterday, Mollah said, “I’m the father of a poor, destitute child…. I don’t know if my cries will reach the government.”

“You are journalists. Have you been able to ensure justice for the Sagar-Runi murders?” he said, referring to the unresolved killings of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi.

He also praised the efforts of law enforcers involved in the case. “I salute them -- every officer, whether from DB, CID, PBI, or the local police. I am grateful for the cooperation, sympathy, and sincerity they have shown.

“But given the complexity of the law in our country, I do not know when I will see justice for my daughter or what the final outcome of the trial will be.”

He also voiced concern over the influence of money in the legal process. “You know that, our government knows that, and the expensive lawyers in our country know that. They can get anyone released on bail in exchange for money.

“Even a foolish, ignorant person like me understands that. Those of you who are educated surely understand it much better.”

PROTESTS CONTINUED

Students from different schools and colleges, parents, and local residents gathered near Ramisa’s house and Pallabi Police Station around 1:30pm.

Shilpi Begum, 38, a resident of Pallabi, said, “We want the maximum punishment for the accused as quickly as possible so that no one else dares to commit such a heinous act.”

Riya Moni, 22, who joined the protest with her four-year-old daughter, said, “We no longer feel safe with our children, either inside or outside the home. We have lost faith in the people around us.”

BNP reserved-seat lawmaker Sanjida Islam Tulee yesterday visited Ramisa’s family and promised to help ensure quick justice.

The Dhaka north units of Jamaat-e-Islami’s women wing and the National Citizen Party also staged separate protests, demanding punishment for those involved.

Bangladesh Student Union also held a protest in Pallabi.

Around 5:00pm, dozens of students and locals staged a sit-in on Kalshi Road, halting traffic in nearby areas. Another group demonstrated inside the Pallabi Police Station compound.

Students of different institutions, including Eden College, Nalonda High School of Chhayanaut, and student platform Fulkori Asor, also held demonstrations in the capital.

In separate video messages, the Bangladesh Cricket Board and several male and female cricketers expressed condolences over the incident and demanded a speedy trial.

Protests were also held at different universities and in several districts.