Asia’s case transferred to tribunal, charge-sheet hearing set for April 23

The case regarding the rape and murder of eight-year-old Asia from Magura has been transferred to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal.

Additionally, the charge-sheet hearing is scheduled for April 23, sources confirmed on Sunday (April 20).

Magura Sadar Police Station submitted the charge sheet to the District Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court on April 13, naming four accused individuals. The investigation confirmed their involvement in the crime, with Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of Asia’s sister, identified as the primary suspect. The charge sheet alleges Hitu Sheikh raped and attempted to kill the child on the night of the incident.

The other accused individuals are Sajib Sheikh (Asia’s sister-in-law), Ratul Sheikh (Sajib’s brother), and Zaheda Begum (Asia’s sister’s mother-in-law). Sajib and Ratul face charges of threatening to kill and intimidation, while Zaheda Begum is accused of concealing information about the crime.

The tragic incident occurred on March 1, when Asia visited her sister’s in-laws’ home in Nijnanduali village. On the night of March 5, Hitu Sheikh brutally tortured the child and tried to strangle her. Asia was then admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, where she passed away on March 13.

Asia’s mother, Ayesha Akhter, filed a case on March 8 against four individuals at Magura Sadar Police Station. Protests were held on social media, newspapers and television demanding justice for Asia, following the news of this brutal incident spread across the country.