HC begins verdict in Magura child Asia rape-murder case

The High Court began delivering its verdict on the death reference and appeal filed by Hitu Sheikh, who was sentenced to death for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Asia in Magura.

A bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja began pronouncing the verdict at 11am on Monday (August 31).

The verdict was scheduled for August 25 but was deferred following a time petition from the prosecution.

State-appointed lawyer Hafizur Rahman Khan represented Hitu Sheikh, while Deputy Attorney General Imam Hasan Tarek appeared for the state, assisted by Assistant Attorneys General Rohani Siddika and Mahbuba Tasnim Ankhi.

The High Court began hearing the death reference and appeal on August 11.

As per the case details, on March 6, the child was visiting her elder sister's in-laws' house where she was raped. She was initially taken to Magura Sadar Hospital in critical condition and was later transferred to the capital's Combined Military Hospital (CMH), where she died on March 13, 2025, while undergoing treatment.

On May 17, 2025, the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal sentenced Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of Asia’s sister, to death. Three other accused—Asia’s sister’s husband Sajib Sheikh, his brother Ratul Sheikh and their mother Jaheda Begum—were acquitted.

The trial court subsequently sent Hitu Sheikh’s death sentence to the High Court for mandatory review, while he separately filed an appeal challenging the verdict.

The case is being heard by a special High Court bench formed to expedite death references and appeals involving grave violence against women and children. The bench was constituted on June 10, 2026, following several brutal cases of violence against women and children.