Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed hope that the trial over the rape and murder of seven-year-old Ramisa in the capital’s Pallabi area will be completed within the next five to seven days.

"The government would ensure the highest punishment for those involved in the brutal crime," he said.

He made the remarks while speaking at a dialogue organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat media centre. 

The event was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Hoque and attended by Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, while General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal moderated the programme.

Ahmed said the prime accused, who fled after raping and killing the child, was arrested within seven hours of the incident. 

He added that the accused gave a confessional statement before a court within a day of his arrest. 

The suspect’s wife was also detained for allegedly assisting in the crime.

“We quickly obtained court approval and completed the DNA test within three days. The report was submitted yesterday afternoon, and we have already received the post-mortem report,” he said.

The minister further said the charge sheet was finalised last night after compiling all investigation reports and was scheduled to be submitted to the court on Sunday.

He also noted that despite the court vacation, steps are being taken to ensure a speedy trial in the case.

According to him, the Chief Justice is considering cancelling the vacation of a special court to expedite proceedings, while the matter is being coordinated by the Law Ministry. 

“To handle this case exclusively, we have appointed a special public prosecutor. Considering all aspects, we hope the charge sheet will be submitted today, and the trial may conclude within five to seven days,” he said.

The minister stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring the swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators involved in rape and violence against women and children.

“As a government, we are ensuring legal action and justice. Our top priority is to arrest the accused in the shortest possible time. Over the last three months, we have succeeded in every such case, and we will not spare anyone involved in these heinous crimes in the future,” he added.