A Dhaka court is expected to announce the verdict date today (June 4) for the brutal rape and murder of child Ramisa Akhtar in Pallavi, following the presentation of final arguments.
State prosecutors, who are seeking the death penalty for the prime accused, anticipate the final verdict will be delivered early next week.
During Wednesday's proceedings, prime accused Sohel Rana admitted his guilt and apologized in court. He also claimed his wife and co-accused, Swapna, had no involvement. Swapna directly addressed the judge, stating she was innocent. State prosecutors dismissed these statements as calculated tactics to delay the trial process. Meanwhile, state-appointed defense lawyer Musa Kalimullah confirmed they will not present any new witnesses.
The trial has moved swiftly. On Tuesday, the tribunal recorded testimonies from 16 witnesses, including Ramisa’s parents, Abdul Hannan Molla and Parveen Akhter, who provided harrowing details of the crime. The court officially accepted the police charge sheet—backed by DNA, forensic evidence, and autopsy reports—on May 24.
Ramisa was a second-grade student at Popular Model High School. On the morning of May 19, she went missing from her home. While searching for her, Ramisa's mother found her daughter's sandal outside the accused's neighboring flat.
With the help of neighbors, Ramisa's parents broke down the door. They discovered the child's headless body in Sohel Rana’s bedroom; her severed head was found hidden in a bathroom bucket.
Following a call to the 999 national emergency service, police arrived, recovered the body, and detained Swapna at the scene. Using digital tracking, police later arrested Sohel Rana in Narayanganj. He gave a confessional statement in court on May 20.
