Home minister vows speedy trial in Ramisa rape and murder case

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (21 May) assured that police would submit the charge sheet in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa within the shortest possible time after completing the investigation swiftly.

"We can assure that the investigation will be completed and the charge sheet submitted within a short time. The responsibility for the rest of the trial lies with the judiciary. We hope exemplary punishment will be ensured within the shortest possible time," he said at a press briefing at the home ministry conference room while responding to questions on the case.

The minister said law enforcement agencies have been taking "the highest level of action" in serious crimes since the BNP government assumed office, ensuring quick arrests and investigations.

"You cannot point to any heinous crime since we took office where the matter was ignored, or arrests were not made promptly," he added.

Referring to the Ramisa case, Salahuddin said the prime accused, Sohel Rana, and his wife were arrested within 24 hours of the incident. He also noted that Sohel had already given a confessional statement before a court under Section 164.

The home minister further said the government has initiated steps to compile a list of recent high-profile murder and rape cases — including the Ramisa, Asiya and Tonu cases, as well as incidents in Bogura and the Gazipur five-murder case — to ensure swift justice.

He said police are working seriously to improve the overall law and order situation, while reforms within the police force are also being considered.

"We are working with utmost importance on these issues, and people need to give us some time," he said.

Salahuddin also said that while people often raise concerns over a lack of justice, such perceptions do not apply to all cases.

According to him, delays in the judicial process sometimes create the impression that justice is being denied, although legal action in serious crimes is taken promptly.

"This case will also see exemplary justice within the shortest possible time," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday (19 May), police recovered Ramisa's dismembered body from a rented flat on the third floor of House 39, Road 7, Block B, Section 11 of the Pallabi area in Mirpur-11.

Authorities said the child's head had been severed after the killing and was later found inside a bathroom, while the main body was recovered from beneath a bed.

Meanwhile, yesterday (20 May), the main accused, Sohel Rana, gave a confessional statement before a Dhaka court, admitting to the rape and murder of the eight-year-old.

In the same case, his wife, Swapna Khatun, 26, has been sent to jail custody.