A Dhaka tribunal has issued a strict order prohibiting accused persons from speaking while in police custody outside the courtroom and banning the circulation of such statements.
Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal passed the order following a petition from the prosecution.
Before testimony began in child Ramisa rape and murder case, special Public Prosecutor Azizur Rahman Dulu requested the court to instruct relevant authorities not to allow or circulate statements made by the accused outside the courtroom.
He told the court that under the law, accused persons in police custody have no authority to speak except before the judge.
He cited clear directives from the High Court, noting that broadcasting statements of accused or convicted persons while in custody is a punishable offense under the rules of Bangladesh’s highest court and state institutions.
He argued that such restrictions are necessary to preserve transparency of the trial, prevent public opinion from being influenced, and safeguard national security. He also requested the tribunal to order police to ensure accused persons remain silent while in custody.
The tribunal then granted his petition and directed necessary measures.
Testimony of 10 witnesses concluded
In Ramisa rape and murder case, testimony of 10 witnesses against prime accused Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter has been completed.
Ramisa’s father Abdul Hannan Molla, mother Parveen Akter, elder sister Raisa, and her aunt Mahmuda, Mizanur Rahman Liton, Monir Hossain, Zakirul Islam Raju, Sheikh Abu Shama, Moniruzzaman Shahin, and Ruma Akter testified before the court on Tuesday.
At 11:30am, Ramisa’s sister Raisa Akter gave her statement on camera. At that time, the judge ordered everyone to leave the courtroom. When her testimony ended on camera at 11:45am, Ramisa’s aunt began giving evidence.
Around 10:30am, Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal started recording statements of the witnesses in the presence of the accused. After hearing 10 witnesses, the judge adjourned the session at 12:48pm.
Defense counsel Musa Kalimullah, appointed by the state, cross‑examined them.
‘May no other parent lose a child this way’
Abdul Hannan Molla, father of child Ramisa Akter, who was raped and brutally murdered in the capital’s Pallabi area, has demanded the highest punishment for the accused, saying no other parent should have to endure such a tragedy.
He said, “I expect justice for the brutal rape and murder of my innocent child. I want a fair trial and speedy execution of the verdict. May no other parent lose a child this way. May no family suffer such heartbreak.”
He was talking to reporters before testifying at Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal.
The recording of testimonies in the sensational case began on Tuesday (2 June).
