Online Desk 

The verdict in the widely discussed case involving the rape and murder of an eight-year-old child in Pallabi, Dhaka, is scheduled to be delivered today. Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for the Prevention of Violence Against Children is set to announce the judgment.

The date was fixed after both the prosecution and defense completed their final arguments on Thursday. Notably, the case has reached the verdict stage just 19 days after the incident.

Special Public Prosecutor Azizur Rahman Dulu said the evidence and investigation clearly established the involvement of the accused, Sohail Rana and his wife, Swapna Akter. The prosecution is seeking the maximum punishment for the defendants.

Defense lawyer Musa Kalimullah, however, argued that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond doubt. He expressed hope that the court would deliver a fair and impartial verdict.

The victim’s body was recovered on May 19 from a residence in Section 11 of Pallabi. According to investigators, neighboring resident Sohail Rana allegedly fled after committing the crime. His wife was detained at the scene, while Sohail Rana was later arrested by police in the Fatullah area of Narayanganj.

The child’s father subsequently filed a murder case at Pallabi Police Station, naming both individuals as accused. Following the investigation, a charge sheet was submitted to the court on May 24, and the case was transferred to the special tribunal to ensure a speedy trial.

On June 1, the court formally framed charges against the accused and ordered the trial to begin. Testimony and cross-examination of 16 witnesses were completed in a single day. After the defense statements and closing arguments, the case was kept pending for judgment.

The verdict is being closely watched due to the speed of the proceedings and the public attention surrounding the case.