Govt prioritising swift justice in Ramisa murder case: Law Minister

Law Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has said the government is treating the murder case of Ramisa with the “highest priority,” vowing to ensure speedy justice and prevent such crimes from going unpunished.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday (May 21), the minister said the killings of Ramisa in Dhaka and Asiya in Magura have deeply shaken public conscience and raised serious questions about humanity and social values.

“Such crimes cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. The government is taking every possible step to ensure quick justice and break the culture of impunity,” he said.

The minister revealed that he had already discussed the matter with the home secretary and instructed authorities to expedite the investigation. He added that the police commissioner had been asked to submit the investigation report within one week.

Responding to frustration expressed by Ramisa’s family, the law minister said the only meaningful answer would be the swift completion of the trial process within an expected timeframe.

“If we fail to ensure timely justice, then their concerns will prove valid,” he said.

Highlighting the independence of the judiciary, the minister noted that the government cannot interfere in court proceedings. However, he said prosecutors can request that the case be placed on a fast-track process, while the final decision remains with the court.

Describing rape and murder as signs of a “morally decaying society,” he warned that failure to ensure exemplary punishment would send a dangerous message nationwide. He also clarified that no rape case would be considered for withdrawal under any political case review process.

Referring to the rapid trial in the Asiya murder case, the minister said the charge sheet was submitted within seven days and the trial concluded within a month. However, he cautioned that rushing trials beyond a reasonable legal framework could raise questions about judicial credibility.

He also pointed to procedural delays in death reference hearings at the High Court, calling the current year-based paperbook system “flawed” and suggesting that priority should instead be determined by the gravity of cases.

The minister said efforts are underway to secure special approval for expedited processing in the Ramisa case, similar to measures taken in previous high-profile cases.

He further added that existing Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals are capable of conducting speedy trials without the need for separate fast-track tribunals.