Dhaka: The High Court on Tuesday deferred the hearing on the death reference and appeal concerning the brutal rape and murder of eight-year-old Asiya in Magura until August 31. The decision came from the HC bench consisting of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja, responding to a time petition submitted by the state.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the High Court was originally scheduled to deliver its judgment in the case on Tuesday. Advocate Hafizur Rahman Khan defended the accused during the proceedings, while Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tarek represented the state. The case has drawn significant attention due to its severity and the public outcry it has generated.
In a verdict delivered by a Magura court on May 17, 2025, Hitu Sheikh, 50, who was identified as the prime accused and is the father-in-law of Asiya’s elder sister, was sentenced to death. His wife, Jabeda Begum, 40, along with their two sons, Sajib Sheikh, 20, and Ratul Sheikh, 25, were acquitted. The horrific crime occurred on the night of March 5 of the previous year when Asiya was staying at her sister’s residence in Nijnanduali village, Sadar upazila. Her sister found her missing around midnight, and a frantic search led to the discovery of Asiya unconscious a few yards from the house.
Initially admitted to Magura General Hospital, Asiya was later transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital as her condition deteriorated. She was subsequently moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and then to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, where she succumbed to her injuries on March 13 of the previous year. The incident sparked nationwide protests, with university students, including those from Dhaka University, demanding capital punishment for the perpetrators.
Following the incident, police arrested Hitu Sheikh and three of his family members. In response to the public demand for justice, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury established a special High Court bench on June 10 of this year to expedite the handling of the death reference and appeal in this significant case.