Verdict in Ramisa rape, murder case fulfils public expectations: home minister

"This is how we want to establish the rule of law in the country - according to public expectations," Salahuddin Ahmed says

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed believes that public expectations have been fulfilled due to the swift verdict in the rape and murder case of 8-year-old Ramisa Akter.

"This is how we want to establish the rule of law in the country - according to public expectations," he said, calling the promptness of the police investigation and trial a milestone, at the Secretariat following the verdict on Sunday.

He spoke of watching the verdict on television, saying: "This was a very sensational case for our country. I am announcing an award for the police force today. This incident has created quite a stir. As per public expectations, we have cooperated in conducting the trial by making arrests, conducting DNA tests and issuing charge sheets in a short time."

The home minister said the court proceedings were conducted after cancelling the Eid holidays for those involved in the case out of state and social responsibility.

Stating that the government had also appointed lawyers for the accused in the interest of justice, he said: "There are two suspects. There was nothing very difficult to prove. We were able to prove it. The court has granted justice."

Noting that the next step will be the High Court process, he said: "We will bring this incident to the attention of the High Court so that the hearing of the death reference can be brought forward."

Speaking of a bus that fell into the river in Goalandaghat, Salahuddin said: "The police have performed their duty sincerely. At least 50 lives have been saved. The rape and murder of a teenage girl in Gazaria seemed to leave no clues behind, but the accused was arrested and gave a confessional statement.

“We will reward the police for their good work."

In response to a question about the current tension between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) regarding push-ins, he said: "Director general-level meetings on the border are held alternately in Bangladesh and in India. This time it is being held in India. All issues will be discussed there. The decisions are summarised and signed. Let's discuss it first."

But, In Sha Allah, the BGB are on alert and will prevent illegal push-ins, he said.

Still, the home minister said he believes that these discussions need to be held through diplomatic channels.

Salahuddin said some laws, including those on drugs, are currently being reformed in order to close off opportunities for perpetrators to get away with their crimes.