Advocate Hafizur Rahman Khan appointed state defense in Asia murder case

The High Court has appointed a state-funded advocate for Hitu Sheikh, who was sentenced to death in the case concerning the rape and murder of eight-year-old Asia in Magura.

Supreme Court lawyer Hafizur Rahman Khan has been appointed as the state defense as the defense counsel was absent during the hearing. Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tareq confirmed the matter.

Earlier on Wednesday (August 12) the High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice K.M. Rashaduzzaman Raja commenced the hearing on the death reference and the convict's appeal. Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tareq initiated the arguments on behalf of the state.

Hitu Sheikh, the primary accused and the brother-in-law of Asia's sister, was sentenced to death on May 17, 2025, by Judge M. Zahid Hasan of the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal.

In the same verdict, the tribunal acquitted the other three accused in the case: Asia's brother-in-law Sajib Sheikh, Sajib's brother Ratul Sheikh, and their mother Zaheda Begum.

Following the tribunal's verdict, all case documents were sent to the High Court as a death reference for approval. Currently, hearings on the death reference as well as the appeal filed by Hitu Sheikh are underway.