Verdict in Asma murder case postponed again, new date July 6

PNN News Desk | Noakhali

The verdict in the widely discussed rape and murder case of five-year-old Asma Akter from Chatkhil in Noakhali has been postponed again. This is the third time the verdict date has been changed. The new date has been set for July 6.

On Wednesday (July 1), Judge Farzana Akter of the Special Children Tribunal issued the order. This was confirmed by plaintiff’s lawyer Advocate Shukla Saha.

Court sources said the trial under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act has been ongoing for nearly four years. Earlier, the verdict was scheduled for May 24, then postponed to June 24, then July 1, and now finally July 6.

Victim Asma Akter was the daughter of Maulana Md. Shahjahan from Megha village in Badalkot union, Chatkhil upazila. The sole accused Shahadat is her paternal cousin.

According to case documents, Asma went missing on March 24, 2022. After several days, police arrested Shahadat as a suspect. Based on interrogation, the victim’s body was recovered from a septic tank behind the house.

Investigations revealed that fearing exposure of the rape incident, the child was strangled to death and the body was hidden in a septic tank. Police later submitted a charge sheet and trial proceedings began.

The victim’s father said they have still not recovered from the grief and have long awaited justice, demanding maximum punishment.

Lawyer Shukla Saha said they remain confident in the court despite repeated postponements.

Public Prosecutor Selim Shahi said the evidence strongly supports the prosecution and expressed hope for maximum punishment.

The family now awaits July 6, hoping for the conclusion of the long legal battle.