The High Court has upheld the death sentence of Hitu Sheikh, the principal accused in the rape and murder case of child Achiya in Magura.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja delivered the verdict on Monday (August 31).
The court had initially scheduled the verdict for Tuesday (August 25), but the hearing was deferred following a petition from the state and rescheduled for Monday.
Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tarek previously said the prosecution had presented substantial evidence in the case, including witness testimony, Hitu Sheikh’s confessional statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and medical reports.
A case was filed with the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal against four people, including Hitu Sheikh, who was the father-in-law of Achiya’s sister.
A total of 29 witnesses, including Achiya’s elder sister Hamida, testified during the trial.
Hitu Sheikh also gave a confessional statement under Section 164.
On May 17, 2025, the trial court sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death in the child rape and murder case.
In the same judgment, the tribunal acquitted the other three accused—Sajib Sheikh, Achiya’s sister’s husband; Ratul Sheikh, Sajib’s brother; and Jaheda Begum, their mother.
The High Court’s decision to uphold Hitu Sheikh’s death sentence means the punishment imposed by the trial court remains in force, subject to the further legal process available under Bangladeshi law.
