Hundreds of angry residents blocked the busy Mirpur-10 roundabout in Dhaka after Jum’a prayers on Friday, demanding swift justice and capital punishment for the accused in the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter.
The demonstrators called for the immediate execution of prime suspect Sohel Rana, insisting that delays in the country’s judicial process have repeatedly encouraged brutal crimes against women and children.
Protesters chanted slogans demanding “justice within 24 hours” and urged the government to ensure exemplary punishment in the highly publicised case that has triggered nationwide outrage.
The blockade caused severe traffic congestion in the Mirpur area as large crowds gathered around the intersection. Similar demonstrations were also held on Thursday night when local residents blocked the road from Mirpur-10 roundabout to the Mirpur-12 bus stand for several hours demanding speedy trial and justice.
Amid growing public anger, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Ramisa’s family residence in Mirpur-11 on Thursday night. Accompanied by senior cabinet members, he assured the grieving parents that the government would ensure swift justice in the case.
Police recovered Ramisa’s dismembered body on Tuesday morning from a neighbouring apartment in Mirpur. Investigators alleged that tenant Sohel Rana first raped the child and later strangled her after she threatened to reveal the assault to her parents.
According to investigators, Sohel and his wife Swapna Akter then allegedly mutilated the body in an attempt to conceal evidence of the crime.
Police later arrested both suspects. Authorities said the couple gave confessional statements before the court admitting involvement in the killing and mutilation of the child.
The brutal incident has sparked widespread condemnation across Bangladesh, with growing calls for stronger measures against crimes targeting children and women.
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