Residents of the Kalshi road area in Pallabi staged a road blockade in Dhaka on Friday evening, demanding a swift trial and the maximum punishment for those responsible for the brutal killing of a seven-year-old child.
The blockade began shortly after the evening hours at Fulkoli and Adhunik Mor along Kalshi Road, bringing vehicular movement on the busy route to a complete standstill.
Officer-in-Charge of Pallabi Police Station Hasan Basir confirmed the matter, saying, “We are maintaining a vigilant stance to prevent any untoward situation.”
During the protest, demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Who are you, who are we?” and “Destroy the criminals’ hideout,” creating a tense atmosphere in the area. Men and women of various ages took part in the demonstration.
The protesters demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the killing, insisting there should be no delay in the judicial process. They called for a swift trial through a special tribunal and for the verdict to be executed within the shortest possible time.
They also alleged that a culture of impunity and prolonged legal procedures has contributed to a rise in such brutal incidents, urging the government and law enforcement agencies to take stronger action to ensure child safety.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day after Jummah prayers, angry residents staged a separate blockade at the Mirpur-10 roundabout in protest over the same incident. The blockade was lifted around 7:20 pm after approximately four hours following a request from police.
According to police, the victim child's body was recovered on Tuesday morning from beneath a bed inside a neighbour’s flat. Her severed head was later found in a bathroom. A murder case was subsequently filed at Pallabi Police Station.
Law enforcement officials first detained the wife of the prime accused, identified as Swapna Akter. Later, the main suspect, Sohel Rana, was arrested in connection with the case. He was subsequently produced before a court, where he reportedly gave a confessional statement admitting to the rape and killing of the child.