The killing of second-grade student Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, Dhaka, has sparked widespread grief and anger across the country, with several figures from Bangladesh’s entertainment industry demanding strict punishment for those responsible.
Actor Irfan Sajjad expressed his frustration in a Facebook post, writing, “At this moment, Bangladesh is probably the most dangerous country for girls, especially young girls. People are only being arrested to offer temporary comfort, but there is no sign of justice. How long will this circus continue?”
He further said punishment should be carried out in a way that would make offenders “tremble before committing such crimes”.
Addressing the Prime Minister in the same post, he added, “As a father of a daughter, I hope you understand the fear and anxiety that all fathers are living with.”
Actor Kazi Maruf also called for stronger laws and swift justice in the case. In a Facebook status, he wrote that although laws exist in the country, their proper implementation is often lacking.
“Children are simply children. Ensuring their safety is everyone’s responsibility. Those who harm children cannot represent humanity,” he wrote.
Maruf added that those who abuse children have lost their human qualities despite being human beings. He also said exemplary punishment in previous child abuse cases might have helped prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Actor Bapparaj questioned the moral decline in society, referring to the erosion of family values and unconditional love in a Facebook post.
“Lack of family education, family bonding and selfless love is making our society and its people helpless. Whom do we seek justice from? Whom do we ask for safety?” he wrote.
Actress and presenter Masuma Rahman Nabila also shared her distress over the incident.
“I have no words left. What can we say or do to ensure the safety of our children? Why are people becoming violent despite being born human? Does a civilised society even exist anymore?” she wrote.
According to details surrounding the incident, police recovered Ramisa’s body from a flat in Pallabi. A couple has been arrested in connection with the case.
Police initially believe the killing may have been carried out to conceal another crime and hide evidence. Investigators are also examining allegations of abuse and the possibility of other offences linked to the incident.
