Dhaka: The High Court on Tuesday commenced the hearing concerning the death reference and appeal related to the heinous rape and murder of eight-year-old Asiya in Magura. The session is being presided over by the HC bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja, with Deputy Attorney General Md Imam Hossain Tarek representing the state.

According to United News of Bangladesh, a Magura court had previously sentenced Hitu Sheikh, 50, the primary accused and father-in-law of Asiya’s elder sister, to death on May 17, 2025. Meanwhile, his wife Jabeda Begum, 40, and two sons, Sajib Sheikh, 20, and Ratul Sheikh, 25, were acquitted. The tragic incident occurred on the night of March 5 last year at Nijnanduali village in Sadar upazila, where Asiya was visiting her sister’s house. She was discovered missing around midnight and later found unconscious a few yards from the house.

The victim was initially treated at Magura General Hospital before being transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital as her condition deteriorated. Subsequently, she was moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and later to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, where she succumbed to her injuries on March 13.

The brutal incident ignited protests nationwide, with university students, including those from Dhaka University, organizing demonstrations demanding the death penalty for the accused. Law enforcement apprehended Hitu Sheikh and three of his family members in connection with the case.

On June 10 this year, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury established a special High Court bench to expedite the resolution of the death reference and appeal, ensuring the case receives priority consideration.