Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday night visited the Pallabi residence of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter, who was allegedly raped and brutally killed this week, and assured the grieving family of the government’s support.
He arrived at the family’s residence around 9:50pm and stayed there for about 18 minutes.
After entering the house, the Prime Minister met Ramisa’s parents and elder sister Raisa Akter, and consoled them.
He later spoke with Ramisa’s father Abdul Hannan Molla, who broke down in tears as he described the family’s grief, pain and suffering following the tragic loss of his daughter.
The Prime Minister offered his condolences to the bereaved father and listened sincerely to the family’s concerns and hardships.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman assured the family that steps will be taken to help them move to a better living environment.
“Ramisa’s father told the Prime Minister that they lost their daughter because they were living in an unhealthy and unsafe environment and that they now want to live in a better place with their elder daughter,” Rumon said.
“The Prime Minister replied 'Alright, I will look into arranging a better living environment for you,’” he added.
The Additional Press Secretary also said Tarique Rahman handed over financial assistance to the family.
Rumon said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed the Prime Minister that the charge sheet in the case will be submitted quickly and the authorities will assist the court to ensure a speedy trial.
According to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, Tarique Rahman has also taken responsibility for the education and future of Ramisa’s elder sister Raisa Akter.
Before leaving, he gently placed his hand on the head of Ramisa’s elder sister, offering comfort and words of sympathy.
Their mother, sitting beside her daughter, was also overwhelmed with grief and seen crying during the emotional moment.
The Home Minister, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser AKM Shamsul Islam and Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Safiqul Islam Khan, among others, were present.
Earlier in the day, Home Minister Salahuddin said exemplary punishment will be ensured in the shortest possible time in the case.
Ramisa, a second-grade student of Mirpur Popular Model School, was raped and killed allegedly by a tenant living in a neighbouring flat in Pallabi on Tuesday last.
Police said the suspect, Sohel Rana, lured the child into his room after she left her flat in the morning. He then allegedly raped and killed her.
Ramisa’s decapitated body was later found under a bed, while her severed head was recovered from a bucket kept in the bathroom.
Police arrested the prime suspect Sohel Rana along with his wife.
According to police, Sohel later gave a confessional statement before a court under Section 164, admitting to the rape and murder.
Ramisa’s classmates and local residents staged protests outside her home demanding the arrest and execution of the killers.
