Specialised HC bench begins hearing death references, appeals in women and children repression cases

A specialised High Court bench, constituted by the Chief Justice, has commenced operations to hear and dispose of death references and appeals under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on a priority basis.

The bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja started hearing today (14 June), Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal confirmed to reporters.

Speaking after the court proceedings, the attorney general said, "The chief justice has constituted a special bench to hear death reference cases involving capital punishment. Today was the first working day of that bench."

He said the day's cause list included 20 cases, involving violence against women and children, including the Asiya rape and murder case and the Feni madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi murder case.

He added that the 20th case on the list is the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asiya from Magura, and said the state is fully prepared to proceed with hearings in all such cases.

He further stated that the Attorney General's Office is ready for hearings in every case and will not seek adjournments.

Responding to a question on whether Asiya's case would be given priority, Kazal said the court noted that several earlier-listed cases date back to 2019 and involve convicts who have been on death row for a long period.

He added that he told the court Asiya's case should also be considered for a priority hearing if possible.

On 10 June, Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed formed the separate bench following requests from the attorney general and concerned lawyers.

The bench has been tasked with prioritising cases of violence against women and children. The Attorney General's Office formed a special team, including for the Ramisa case, to ensure uninterrupted hearings and swift disposal of death references.