DB chief reveals Ramisa murder suspect had criminal past

The main suspect in the murder of seven-year-old Ramisa Akter had previously been involved in several criminal activities and had a “bad character”, according to Dhaka police.

Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, chief of the Detective Branch and Additional Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, made the remarks during a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Friday.

He said the investigation report in the Ramisa murder case would be submitted to the court soon.

“The prime accused, Zakir Hossain alias Sohel Rana, had been involved in various criminal activities in the past. His previous record was not good, and he was of bad character,” he said while responding to questions from journalists.

The comments came a day after BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman visited Ramisa’s family at their home on Thursday night.

Following the visit, Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters that Tarique Rahman had met the child’s parents and elder sister and offered condolences.

He said the family had been assured that police acted quickly to arrest the accused. He added that the suspect had already given a confessional statement under Section 164 before a court.

“Now the next step is submitting the charge sheet,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed said a DNA test must be completed before the charge sheet can be filed.

“The CID laboratory has already begun the process after obtaining court approval. Since this is a scientific procedure, the DNA test requires 48 hours. It is expected to be completed by Sunday noon,” he said.

“InshaAllah, we will be able to submit the charge sheet to the court by Sunday. We will then try to ensure that the trial process is completed as quickly as possible so that the maximum punishment can be ensured,” he added.

Police recovered Ramisa’s beheaded body from a house in the Pallabi area of Dhaka on Tuesday morning, triggering widespread public outrage across the country.

The main accused, Zakir Hossain, was later arrested in Narayanganj. Police sources said he subsequently gave a confessional statement before the court.