The father of an eight-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Dhaka's Pallabi area has expressed satisfaction after a court sentenced the main accused, Sohel Rana, to death.
Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal Judge Masrur Salehin delivered the verdict on Sunday.
Reacting to the judgment, the victim's father, Abdul Hannan Molla, told reporters: "Alhamdulillah, I am fully satisfied with the verdict."
"I have received the justice I hoped for. Insha Allah, I am optimistic that the verdict will be executed soon," he said.
He also thanked law enforcement agencies, journalists and members of the public for supporting his family throughout the legal process.
"My sincere gratitude goes to the police administration, journalists and the people of Bangladesh who stood by us during this difficult time. Now I want to see the verdict implemented as quickly as possible," he added.
Earlier in the day, the accused were brought before the tribunal. The judge began reading out the verdict at around 11:05am before finding the accused guilty and sentencing them to death. The court also imposed fines on the convicts.
According to the verdict, the fine money, once recovered, will be paid to the victim's family. If the convicts fail to pay, the district administration will take steps to recover the amount through the sale of their movable and immovable assets.
Abdul Hannan Molla was present in court during the verdict announcement. Before the judgment was delivered, he expressed hope that the accused would receive the maximum punishment. Following the verdict, he reiterated his demand for its swift implementation.
The tribunal concluded the trial in just four working days. Charges were framed, witnesses testified, the accused were given an opportunity to defend themselves, and closing arguments were completed before the court fixed Sunday for the verdict.
Legal observers say it is rare for a child rape and murder case in Bangladesh to be disposed of within such a short period.
