The High Court has postponed its verdict on the death reference and appeal of Hitu Sheikh, who was sentenced to death for the rape and murder of eight‑year‑old Asiya in Magura, and set 31 August for pronouncement.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja concluded hearings from both sides and initially fixed 25 August (Tuesday) for the judgment.
The date was rescheduled to 31 August following a prosecution request for time.
Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tarek represented the state, assisted by Assistant Attorneys Rohani Siddika and Mahbuba Tasnim Ankhi. State‑appointed lawyer Hafizur Rahman Khan appeared for the convict.
Hearings in the High Court began on 11 August.
According to the case, the incident occurred on 5 March last year while Asiya was visiting her sister’s in‑laws’ house in Nijnanduali, Magura Sadar.
The case alleged that her sister’s father‑in‑law, Hitu Sheikh, raped and attempted to kill her. Asiya later died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital.
On 8 March that year, Asiya’s mother filed the case against Hitu Sheikh and three others.
Police submitted the charge sheet on 13 April 2025, and trial proceedings began on 23 April that year. On 17 May the same year, Magura’s Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death and fined him Tk100,000, acquitting the other three accused.
The case records were sent to the High Court on 21 May 2025 as a death reference. Later, Hitu Sheikh filed an appeal against the trial court verdict.
