The eight-year-old, who was brutally assaulted and raped in Magura on March 5, succumbed to her injuries yesterday at Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
She was laid to eternal rest at her village home at Jaria village in Sreepur upazila of Magura district later in the day.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus expressed his profound shock at her death and ordered the authorities to bring the perpetrators to book through a speedy trial.
Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir reported the chief adviser's statement.
Political leaders have also pledged their support to ensure swift action against the culprits.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir conveyed his condolences, emphasizing the collective sorrow over the girl’s death.
"With a heavy heart, despite the best efforts of CMH doctors, we could not save her, and call for the maximum punishment for the rapists,” he posted on his Facebook account.
Similarly, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman condemned the perpetrators in strong terms, demanding their swift execution.
“The innocent child has left this world, leaving the entire nation in tears. We demand the harshest punishment for the rapists. These brutal animals must face the consequences of their actions, and justice must be served within 90 working days," he wrote in his facebook post.
The Bangladesh Army, which had been involved in her treatment, expressed its profound sorrow at her passing, offering condolences to her grieving family.
Across social media, tributes poured in, with citizens expressing their grief, anger and determination to keep fighting for justice.
Umama Fatema, spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement said: "We demand the formation of a special tribunal against rape and torture. The tribunal should ensure the maximum punishment of death, with the investigation report to be submitted within seven days and judicial proceedings concluded within one month. The rapist has confessed to the crime, and if this punishment isn’t executed quickly, it won’t serve as an example for others."
A desperate fight
Following the assault, the child was initially treated in Magura before being transferred to Dhaka’s CMH on March 8.
Medical teams fought tirelessly to save her life. Upon her arrival at CMH, doctors found that her condition was extremely critical. She suffered severe internal injuries, multiple fractures and brain trauma due to the strangulation attempt.
Over the following days, her pulse rate fluctuated dangerously, and her oxygen saturation levels dropped significantly. Despite being placed on life support, her condition continued to deteriorate.
On March 12, her organs started failing even as doctors struggled to stabilize her vitals. Her blood pressure dropped significantly and her heart rate became increasingly irregular.
Late at night, she suffered multiple cardiac arrests but was resuscitated. However, by yesterday morning, her body could no longer withstand the trauma.
After another cardiac arrest, she passed away at 10:45am, officials confirmed.
Outcry and mass protests
As she fought for her life, a wave of protests erupted across Bangladesh. Students from universities like Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University and North South University took to the streets, demanding the harshest punishment for the perpetrator. Protestors brought out processions with banners and placards bearing messages such as “End Rape Culture” and “Justice for Ashia.”
In Shahbagh, a key protest spot, thousands of citizens gathered in solidarity, calling for swift legal action.
Cultural activists and women’s rights groups joined the protests, with notable figures from the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association lending their voices to the demand for immediate justice, stronger laws and an end to the culture of impunity surrounding gender-based violence.
The Anti-Rape Platform, a coalition of activists and organizations dedicated to combating sexual violence, has been a pivotal force in mobilizing national efforts for justice in the 8-year old girl’s case.
Ashrefa Khatun, spokesperson of Bangladesh Democratic Students' Council, part of the Anti-Rape Platform, expressed her deep sorrow over the passing of the little girl. "We are deeply saddened by her death,” she said.
