Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the trial proceedings in the rape and murder case of seven-year-old Ramisa are likely to be completed within the next five to seven days.

“Considering everything, we expect the charge sheet to be submitted today, and the trial is highly likely to be completed within five to seven days,” he said.

Arrangements are being made to keep the relevant court open during the Eid holidays to ensure justice in the case involving the rape and murder of the child in the capital’s Pallabi area, he added.

The minister made the remarks at the “BSRF Dialogue” organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at the Secretariat Media Centre today.

The event was presided over by BSRF President Masudul Haque and attended by Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed. General Secretary Obaidullah Badal moderated the discussion.

Referring to the recent rise in such incidents, Salahuddin said, “This is actually a social degradation; social reform is needed. Our society has been affected by some bad cultures. The level, frequency and nature of rape are going beyond our limits of tolerance.”

He mentioned the accused was arrested within seven hours of the incident. “Within one day of the accused giving a confessional statement before the court, his wife was also arrested as an accomplice. With the court’s permission, we conducted the DNA test very quickly,” he said.

The minister said a special public prosecutor had been appointed solely to handle the case.

Responding to a question about the return of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the home minister said, “We have sent formal letters multiple times to bring her back. We want her to return through the proper legal process and face trial.”