High Court to Deliver Verdict Today in Asiya Rape-Murder Case

The High Court is set to pronounce its verdict on Monday (31 August) on whether to uphold the death sentence handed down by a trial court to Hitu Sheikh in the widely discussed rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asiya, also known as Ayesha, in Magura.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja will deliver its judgment on the death reference and appeal filed in connection with the case.

The prosecution expects the High Court to uphold the death sentence awarded by the trial court. Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tarek said all relevant evidence, including witness testimonies, Hitu Sheikh’s confessional statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and medical reports, had been placed before the court.

Meanwhile, Hafizur Rahman Khan, the state-appointed defence lawyer for Hitu Sheikh, sought his acquittal.

Following Asiya’s death, a case was filed with the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal against four people, including Hitu Sheikh, who is the father-in-law of Asiya’s sister.

A total of 29 witnesses, including Asiya’s elder sister Hamida, testified in the case. Hitu Sheikh also made a confessional statement under Section 164.

On 17 May 2025, the tribunal sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death. In the same judgment, Asiya’s brother-in-law Sajib Sheikh, his brother Ratul Sheikh and their mother Jaheda Begum were acquitted.

Four days after the trial court delivered its verdict, the case records were sent to the High Court as a death reference for confirmation of the sentence.

The High Court had initially scheduled the verdict for 25 August, but postponed it following a prosecution application. After hearing the matter, the court fixed 31 August for pronouncing the judgment.