DHAKA, Aug 11, 2026 (BSS) - High Court (HC) today started its hearing on a priority basis on the death reference and jail appeals filed in the case over the rape and murder of eight-year-old Asiya in Magura.
 
 
A High Court bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja started hearing the matter this morning.
 
 
Deputy Attorney General Md Imam Hossain Tarek, Assistant Attorneys General Rohani Siddiqua and Mahbuba Tasnim Akhi are taking part in the hearing for the state.
 
 
Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal on May 17, 2025, convicted
and sentenced the prime accused, Hitu Sheikh, father-in-law of the elder sister of Asiya, to death in the case. It, however, acquitted Hitu's wife, Jaheda Begum, and sons Ratul Sheikh and Sajib Sheikh of the charges.
 
 
The death reference in the case reached the High Court for its approval on May 21, 2025.
 
 
As per the case details, on March 6, 2025, 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.
 
 
Following the incident, the victim's mother had filed the case with Magura Sadar Police Station on March 8 under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
 
 
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury on June 10, 2026, formed the High Court bench to exclusively hear and dispose of cases involving death sentences awarded under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.