Nationwide protests erupt demanding justice for Ramisa

The rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Dhaka’s Pallabi area have triggered nationwide protests, with demonstrators demanding the death penalty for those involved and swift justice through a Speedy Trial Tribunal.

In the capital, protesters gathered in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh around 3:30pm under the banner “Justice for Ramisa”. They chanted slogans including “We want the death penalty for rapists” and “No place for rapists in our Sonar Bangla.”

At the same time, the Inquilab Mancha brought out a torch procession from Shahbagh to the Dhaka University vice-chancellor’s area. 

Speaking at the rally, its Dhaka University convener, Fazle Rabbi Sarkar, criticised the home minister, saying, “The country’s law and order situation has reached a terrible state. If you are unable to perform your duties, then resign.”

Earlier on Tuesday, police recovered Ramisa’s body from a neighbour’s rented flat in Pallabi area of Mirpur-11. Authorities said the child’s head had been severed after the killing and was later found inside a bathroom, while the main body was recovered from beneath a bed.

Anger, grief in Mirpur-Pallabi 

In Mirpur, angry residents blocked the Kalshi road, disrupting traffic as they demanded maximum punishment for the accused. Protesters feared Ramisa’s case could be “buried” like previous high-profile killings, including those of Asiya and Tonu, and vowed to continue demonstrations until justice is ensured.

Among the most emotional scenes were Ramisa’s classmates, many aged between eight and 10, who marched with placards reading “Justice for Ramisa,” several breaking down in tears as they mourned their friend. Teachers also joined the procession that began from Ramisa’s home.

A teacher from Mirpur AH Model School said the incident has deepened fear among parents. “The killer’s maximum punishment must be ensured,” he said. “Otherwise, parents will be afraid to send children to school.” He added that educators nationwide stand in solidarity.

The Dhaka City North Mohila Jamaat also formed a human chain beneath Pallabi metro station, demanding a speedy trial.

Chattogram fumes amid rising tension over another rape case

In Chattogram, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti brought out a torch procession from Sholoshahar to Muradpur demanding swift justice. 

The organisation’s leader, Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi, warned that stricter programmes would follow if authorities fail to ensure speedy trial and exemplary punishment.

Public anger intensified after a separate allegation of rape of a three-year-old child in Bakalia, where locals surrounded a building to prevent the accused from fleeing until police arrived.

Solidarity protests in Bagerhat, Sherpur and Barishal

In Bagerhat, Chhatra Union and Dharshan Protirodh Manch held human chains and marches in front of the press club. 

Similar demonstrations took place in Sherpur and Barishal, where protesters demanded the transfer of the case to a Speedy Trial Tribunal and stronger child protection.

Protesters said the reluctance of victims’ families to seek justice reflects a crisis of trust in the judicial system.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General said there is no reason for delay as the accused has confessed and witnesses are local, stressing swift justice to restore public trust.

Ramisa Akter was buried in Munshiganj’s Sirajdikhan on Wednesday night after namaz-e-janaza around 9:30pm, laid to rest beside her grandparents. Even after the funeral, protests continued nationwide, with calls for exemplary punishment persisting across the country.