Dhaka:The Dhaka Metropolitan Children's Violence Suppression Tribunal has expedited the judicial process to combat violence against children, delivering significant verdicts over the past nine months. The tribunal has handed down two death sentences and four life-term imprisonments as part of its efforts to address and deter such crimes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal sentenced Sohel Rana and his wife, Swapna Akter, to death on June 7 for the murder of 8-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi. This verdict was reached in just five working days, highlighting the tribunal's swift adjudication process. The tribunal, established under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, aims to ensure expeditious trials and stringent punishment for perpetrators of violence against children.
Since its formal commencement in June of the previous year, the Dhaka Metropolitan Children's Violence Suppression Tribunal has focused on cases involving rape followed by murder. Between January and September, the tribunal disposed of 49 cases, with 6 resulting in convictions. These included two death sentences and four life imprisonments, while 1,921 cases remain pending.
Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruqi emphasized the government's strict stance on child violence cases, noting that the tribunal not only imposes jail sentences but also death penalties and substantial fines. Compensation from these verdicts is mandated to be paid to the victim's family, reinforcing the government's commitment to justice for victims and their families.