The High Court verdict in the widely discussed murder and rape case of eight-year-old Ashia from Magura is scheduled to be delivered today (August 31).

The High Court bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice K.M. Rasheduzzaman Raja will pronounce the verdict on Monday.

The verdict was initially set for August 25, but it was deferred to today following an appeal by the state. The High Court fixed the judgment date after concluding the hearings on the death reference and the appeal filed by the convict, Hitu Sheikh.

Deputy Attorney General Imam Hossain Tareq stated that adequate evidence—including witness testimonies, Hitu Sheikh’s confessional statement under section 164, and the medical report—has been presented in the rape and murder case.

The prosecution expects the trial court's verdict to be upheld by the High Court. Meanwhile, Advocate Hafizur Rahman Khan, appointed at state expense to represent Hitu Sheikh, has sought his acquittal.

Following Ashia’s death, a case was filed at the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal against four individuals, including Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of Ashia's sister.

A total of 29 witnesses, including Ashia’s elder sister Hamida, testified in the case.

Additionally, Hitu Sheikh gave a confessional statement under section 164. On May 17, 2025, the trial court sentenced the prime accused, Hitu Sheikh, to death.

In the same verdict, the tribunal acquitted the other three accused: Ashia’s brother-in-law Sajib Sheikh, Sajib's brother Ratul Sheikh, and their mother, Zaheda Begum.

Four days after the delivery of the trial court's verdict, all case documents were sent to the High Court for confirmation of the death reference.