Death of 8-year-old brutal rape victim triggers outcry in Bangladesh

By Sagaya Fernando | March 17, 2025

 

Magura, Bangladesh – An eight-year-old girl who was brutally raped in Magura, a city located on the banks of the Nabaganga River in southwestern Bangladesh, has succumbed to her injuries after battling for her life for over a week. The case has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed demands for swift justice.

Incident Details

On March 5, 2025, the child had visited her elder sister’s marital home in Magura during the Ramadan holidays. That night, she was sexually assaulted by her sister's father-in-law, 50-year-old Hitu Sheikh, allegedly with the assistance of his son, Sojib Sheikh. According to police reports, the victim’s brother-in-law unlocked the door, allowing his father to commit the crime. The child's elder sister, who was also present in the house, later found her unconscious on the floor.

On the morning of March 6, the victim’s mother-in-law, Jabeda Begum, attempted to cover up the crime by misleading doctors at a local hospital. However, medical personnel quickly realized the severity of the situation, prompting the family to flee. The child was then transferred to a larger facility for treatment.

Medical Battle and Death

After being admitted to multiple hospitals, including Faridpur Medical College Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), the victim was placed on life support on March 7. She was later moved to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka on March 8 for advanced care.

Despite the efforts of an eight-member medical board comprising surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and cardiologists, the child suffered multiple cardiac arrests and passed away on March 13, 2025, at 1:00 pm local time at CMH, as confirmed by an official statement from the Bangladesh Army.

Legal Proceedings and Arrests

Authorities have arrested four persons in connection with the case:

• Hitu Sheikh (50) – prime accused, father-in-law of the victim’s sister
• Sojib Sheikh (20) – the victim’s brother-in-law, accused of aiding the crime
• Ratul Sheikh (25) – elder son of Hitu Sheikh, accused of attempted murder
• Jabeda Begum (40) – mother-in-law of the victim’s sister, accused of covering up the crime

On March 10, a Magura court placed Hitu Sheikh on a seven-day remand and the other three on a five-day remand. The investigation is being conducted under sections 9(4)(a) and 30 of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

On March 15, Hitu Sheikh confessed in court to raping the child, stating that he acted alone. His full statement has not yet been disclosed.

Funeral and Public Response

Following her death, the child’s body was flown to Magura stadium by helicopter at 5:15 pm on March 13. Her funeral prayer (Namaz-e-Janaza) was held at Magura Nomani Maidan after Maghrib prayers, attended by thousands, including local officials and activists. She was later buried in her hometown, Jaria village in Sreepur Upazila.

Enraged locals set fire to Hitu Sheikh’s house in Magura’s Nijnanduali village following the news of the girl’s death.

Government Response and Justice Promises

Bangladesh Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the child’s death and vowed to expedite justice. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the trial would begin within a week, stating that DNA evidence would be ready within five days.

“The trial will be completed in the shortest possible time, and those responsible will be held accountable,” Nazrul said, emphasizing that the government is committed to preventing future cases of such brutality.

The High Court has ordered the case investigation to be concluded within 30 days and the trial within six months. The government is also considering amendments to the Violence Against Women and Children Act to ensure swifter justice in rape and assault cases.

Nationwide Outrage and Protests

The case has triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh. Students, activists, and political leaders have demanded the death penalty for the accused. Demonstrations were held in Dhaka University, with banners calling for justice and stricter laws against sexual violence.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the incident, calling it “a shame for the nation.”

“This innocent child endured unimaginable suffering. We demand exemplary punishment for those responsible,” Fakhrul said in a statement issued by the BNP media cell.

A Call for Justice

Legal experts and human rights activists have urged the judiciary to ensure a fair and speedy trial.

“The failure to implement strict punishments in past cases has emboldened criminals. Justice must be swift, and new reforms should be introduced to protect children from such heinous acts,” said Akhter Hossain, a member of the National Citizen Party.

As Bangladesh mourns the loss of another young life to sexual violence, the nation looks to the courts to deliver justice and set a precedent for the future.