No lawyer to defend accused in Mahida rape-murder case: Brahmanbaria Bar
Mahida’s mother seeks legal boycott of the accused; relatives demand speedy trial and death penalty.
The Brahmanbaria District Bar Association has decided that no lawyer will represent Zahidul Islam, accused of raping and killing seven-year-old Mahida Akter, following a written request from the child's mother and a protest by her relatives demanding speedy justice.
Mahida's relatives staged a demonstration at the Brahmanbaria Senior Judicial Court premises around noon today (27 September), demanding a speedy trial of the case and the death penalty for Zahidul.
They also marched around the court premises during the demonstration.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Meanwhile, Mahida's mother, Monira Akter, submitted a written application to the District Bar Association, requesting lawyers not to appear in court on behalf of Zahidul, 20.
Following the application, the bar association decided not to provide legal representation to the accused.
Mahida's uncle Md Sajib Mia said the family wants the case to be tried through a speedy trial tribunal and Zahidul to be sentenced to death.
"Zahidul must be hanged to set an example so that no other child becomes a victim of rape and murder like Mahida," he said.
District Bar Association President Md Mofizur Rahman Babul said lawyers had previously refrained from defending accused persons in similar cases.
"No lawyer will stand in court on behalf of Zahidul. All lawyers will work together to ensure exemplary punishment for Mahida's rape and murder as soon as possible," he said.
Earlier on Friday afternoon (25 September), Zahidul allegedly raped and strangled Mahida to death in Andidil village of Talshahar Union in Ashuganj upazila. He is a relative of Mahida's uncle.
On Saturday (26 September), Mahida's mother filed a case against Zahidul at Ashuganj Police Station.
Later that evening, Zahidul was produced before the Judicial Magistrate (Fifth) Court, where he reportedly confessed to raping and killing Mahida in a statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
