The two accused in the much-discussed rape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl in Dhaka's Pallabi area were brought to court on Sunday morning ahead of the verdict.
Swapna Khatun was brought to the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court premises from Kashimpur Central Jail at around 8:25am. The other accused, Sohel Rana, arrived at the court premises about 20 minutes later.
According to court sources, the two have been kept in the court's holding cell and will be taken to the tribunal shortly before the verdict is delivered.
The verdict is scheduled to be announced at 11am by Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal Judge Masrur Salekin.
Security has been tightened in and around the court premises ahead of the judgment. Additional police personnel have been deployed, while surveillance has been increased in the tribunal area.
Journalists began gathering at the court premises early in the morning. Lawyers, litigants and members of the public were also seen waiting for the verdict, reflecting widespread interest in the case.
The court fixed Sunday for the verdict after concluding arguments from both the prosecution and defence on Thursday.
The prosecution has sought the maximum punishment for both accused, arguing that the charges have been proven beyond doubt. The defence, meanwhile, requested life imprisonment for Sohel Rana and a lesser sentence for Swapna Khatun.
The verdict in the case has drawn significant public attention, with the victim's family and many others awaiting the court's decision.