Ramisa case trial may begin right after Eid if DNA report arrives in time: Law minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today (23 May) said the government is committed to completing the trial of the Ramisa murder case in the shortest possible time, with efforts underway to begin proceedings immediately after Eid.

"If we can receive the DNA report before Eid and submit the charge sheet before the holidays, the trial process can begin immediately after Eid," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop held at BRAC Centre Auditorium in the capital's Mohakhali.

Noting that government holidays for Eid will begin from 25 May, the minister said, "We will complete this case as quickly as possible."

Responding to journalists' queries on how long the trial might take after submission of the charge sheet, the minister cited past examples.

"It took one month to complete the trial after the charge sheet in the Magura Asiya murder case. There is also the example of the 1948 Muluk Chand case, where the trial was completed in a single day," he said.

He added that filing a charge sheet without following legal provisions could create a "fatal injury" for prosecution. "DNA is very important evidence in such cases. When we have the opportunity to conduct DNA testing, we must do it," he said.

The minister said efforts are underway to obtain the DNA report of the Ramisa case within 72 hours, although it usually takes several weeks or months. He added that the matter is among the government's top priorities.

Expressing the government's commitment to ensuring speedy justice, he said, "We hope we will be able to meet the expectations of people at home and abroad."

"If we go in the wrong direction, you will criticise us and guide us. We will not be reluctant in this regard," he added.

Responding to a question on rising incidents of child rape, the minister termed it part of social degradation and said law enforcement agencies are working with utmost vigilance. He also stressed strengthening public awareness and building trust in the justice system.

He said although death sentences are awarded by trial courts, their implementation requires approval from the higher court.

When asked about the recent rape and pregnancy incident involving a madrasa student in Netrokona, the minister said the government is closely monitoring the matter.

Officials including Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division Khadem Ul Kays and Director General of the National Legal Aid Services Organisation Monjurul Hossain attended the programme, chaired by NLASO DG Monjurul Hossain.

Representatives from various human rights organisations, including BLAST, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and UNDP, also took part in the open discussion.

The minister further said the government aims to ensure legal aid services reach grassroots people. "Our goals and objectives are the same," he said, emphasising collaboration between government and non-government initiatives to support the poor, helpless and marginalised.

On anti-discrimination laws, he said, "If there are any discriminatory provisions in laws, we will try to remove them. We want to work in a parallel manner."