High Court Upholds Hitu Sheikh’s Death Sentence in Asiya Case

The High Court on Monday upheld the death sentence of Hitu Sheikh in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asiya in Magura.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja delivered the verdict.

The verdict was originally scheduled to be delivered on 25 August but was deferred following an application by the prosecution. After hearing the matter, the court fixed 31 August for the judgment.

Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tarek said all relevant evidence had been presented before the court, including witness testimonies, Hitu Sheikh’s confessional statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and medical reports.

Following Asiya’s death, a case was filed with the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal against four people, including Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of Asiya’s sister.

A total of 29 witnesses, including Asiya’s elder sister Hamida, testified in the case. Hitu Sheikh also gave a confessional statement under Section 164.

On 17 May 2025, the tribunal sentenced Hitu Sheikh, the main accused, to death. In the same verdict, Asiya’s brother-in-law Sajib Sheikh, his brother Ratul Sheikh and their mother Jaheda Begum were acquitted.

Four days after the tribunal delivered its verdict, the case records were sent to the High Court as a death reference for confirmation of the sentence.

With Monday’s verdict, the High Court has confirmed the death sentence against Hitu Sheikh.