In a landmark and swift verdict, the Dhaka Metropolitan Children’s Violence Suppression Tribunal has sentenced two accused to death in the widely discussed Ramisa rape and murder case.
Judge Masrur Salekin delivered the verdict on Saturday, convicting Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter for their roles in the brutal rape and murder of schoolgirl Ramisa. The court also imposed financial penalties, fining Sohel Rana Tk 5 lakh and Swapna Akter Tk 2 lakh.
The case has drawn national attention due to the speed of the judicial process. Charges were framed on June 1, witness testimonies were completed on June 2, self-defence statements were recorded on June 3, legal arguments concluded on June 4, and the verdict was delivered within a week.
Ramisa, a Class-II student of Popular Model High School, was allegedly raped and murdered in Pallabi’s Millat Camp area on May 19. According to investigators, the accused Sohel Rana was a neighbour of the victim. A case was filed by her father the following day.
Police submitted the charge sheet on May 24 against Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter, who was accused of assisting in the crime. The government appointed special prosecutors and defence counsel to ensure a speedy and transparent trial process.
During the trial, 16 prosecution witnesses, including family members, neighbours, police officials, forensic experts and the investigating officer, provided testimony before the tribunal. The defence cross-examined all witnesses before presenting its arguments.
While Sohel Rana sought mercy during his self-defence statement, Swapna Akter claimed innocence and requested justice. However, the tribunal found both guilty and awarded the highest punishment under the law.
The verdict is being viewed as one of the fastest-resolved rape and murder cases in Bangladesh and has renewed discussions about justice for crimes against children.
