Staff Reporter:
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that a charge sheet in the case involving the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter is likely to be submitted by Sunday afternoon.
The minister made the comment while speaking to journalists on Thursday night after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Ramisa’s family at Pallabi, Mirpur.
Salahuddin Ahmed and Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, among others, accompanied the prime minister during the visit.
Salahuddin said the prime minister met the victim’s parents and her elder sister to console them.
He also said that police have arrested the accused, who gave a confessional statement before the court.
“Now it is time to submit the charge sheet. Before submitting it, the DNA test must be completed,” the home minister said.
“For the DNA test, the work is already underway at the CID laboratory after obtaining court permission. The procedure takes 48 hours. Since it is a scientific process, it will be completed by Sunday noon.”
He said, “Inshallah, we will be able to submit the charge sheet to the court by Sunday afternoon. After that, we will try to ensure that the trial is completed in the shortest possible time, leading to the maximum punishment. The prosecution will make every effort in this regard.”
The home minister further said that for such heinous crimes—child rape and murder, or even child rape alone—there should be provisions in law to allow faster submission of charge sheets and quicker completion of trials.
He said discussions have already taken place in the cabinet meeting in the presence of the law minister, who has promised to implement legal reforms if needed.
He added that necessary amendments will be made where required so that such heinous crimes do not recur in the country.
Salahuddin said the prime minister has assured that he will bear all educational expenses and other necessary costs of Ramisa’s elder sister.
He also said that the prime minister has promised to arrange a safe shelter for Ramisa’s family within a very short time, as they have requested secure accommodation.
