‘Every page of the case filled with pain, anger, anxiety, expectation for justice’

Every page of the case is full of pain, anger, anxiety and the expectation of justice, a court has observed while delivering its verdict in the horrific rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Pallabi of Mirpur, Dhaka.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal announced the verdict on Sunday, sentencing the main accused Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akhter to death. 

Judge Masrur Salekin delivered the judgement in the presence of the accused.

In his detailed observations, the judge described the case as far more than a routine criminal proceeding. “It is a deep and difficult test of our society’s conscience, humanity, law and order system and the rule of law,” he said.

The court emphasised that ensuring the safety, dignity and protection of children is one of the fundamental responsibilities of a civilised and humane state. When a child falls victim to heinous crimes such as sexual abuse, violence or murder, it not only devastates the family but also wounds the entire society and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the justice system.

The tribunal, established under the Prevention of Atrocities on Women and Children Act, is currently handling more than 1,800 pending cases involving violence against children, sexual abuse and other grave offences. 

Each case represents profound suffering for a child and their family, the court noted.

This particular case stood out, the judge observed, because the investigation, trial proceedings and recording of evidence were completed relatively swiftly. 

The court expressed satisfaction that the investigating agency finalised its probe in a very short time and submitted the charge sheet promptly. 

The prosecution was also commended for presenting key witnesses efficiently, allowing the trial to move forward without undue delay.

The judge praised the sincerity and professionalism of the investigating officer, the prosecution team and all others involved in the process. Such a speedy, efficient, impartial and high-quality investigation and trial should serve as a model for future cases involving child abuse and violence, the court said.

It further expressed the hope that all concerned authorities would demonstrate the same level of dedication and responsibility to prevent unnecessary delays for victims and their families seeking justice.

The court stressed that a fair trial depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the investigation agency, prosecution, defence, witnesses and the broader justice system. 

“The duty of the court is not to reveal the truth through emotion, but in the light of the eternal principles of law, evidence and justice,” the judge declared.

The verdict was delivered with utmost caution, sensitivity and judicial impartiality after careful examination of all evidence, medical reports and the overall circumstances of the case.