Ramisa rape-murder death reference sent to Supreme Court

The death reference in the case of the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa has been forwarded to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh for mandatory judicial review. This procedural step is essential for the confirmation of the death sentences awarded by the trial court.

Case Background

Ramisa, a class 2 student of Popular Model High School, was found beheaded on May 19, 2026, in the house of her neighbor, Sohel Rana, in Dhaka's Pallabi area. The gruesome incident led to widespread public outrage and demands for swift justice.

Trial Court Verdict

On June 7, 2026, the Children Violence Suppression Tribunal in Dhaka Metropolitan sentenced Sohel Rana to death for raping and murdering Ramisa. His wife, Swapna Khatun, was also sentenced to death for assisting him in committing the crime. Additionally, Sohel was fined Tk 5 lakh, and Swapna was fined Tk 2 lakh, with the court ordering that the fines be paid to the victim's legal heirs.

Forwarding of Death Reference

On June 9, 2026, the tribunal sent a three-page death reference, a 69-page judgment, and other relevant documents to the office of the registrar general of the Supreme Court. This step is a mandatory judicial process through which a trial court's death sentence is sent to the higher court for confirmation before it can be carried out.

Legal Implications

The forwarding of the death reference to the Supreme Court initiates the process of judicial review, ensuring that the trial court's decision undergoes thorough scrutiny. This procedure upholds the principles of justice and due process, providing an additional layer of oversight in capital punishment cases.

Conclusion

The submission of the death reference in Ramisa's case to the Supreme Court marks a significant step in the judicial process, reflecting the commitment of the Bangladeshi legal system to address heinous crimes against children with the seriousness and urgency they warrant.