The High Court (HC) is set to pronounce tomorrow its judgment on the death reference and jail appeals in the case filed over the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi, a madrasa student from Sonagazi in Feni. The High Court division bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja fixed the date on August 20 as the hearing on the matters concluded on that day. The court on July 28, 2026, started its hearing on the matters. Deputy Attorney General Barrister Syed Ejaj Kabir and Assistant Attorney General Rohani Siddiqua took part in the hearing for the state.
Background of the Case
Nusrat Jahan Rafi, a madrasa student from Sonagazi in Feni, was murdered on April 6, 2019, after she resisted sexual harassment by her madrasa principal. The brutal crime shocked the nation and led to widespread protests demanding justice. The Feni Women and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal on October 24, 2019, sentenced all 16 accused in the case to death and fined them Taka one lakh each.
High Court Proceedings
Following the tribunal's verdict, the case documents were sent to the High Court on October 29, 2019, for its approval. The High Court division bench began hearing the matters on July 28, 2026, with Deputy Attorney General Barrister Syed Ejaj Kabir and Assistant Attorney General Rohani Siddiqua representing the state. The hearing concluded on August 20, 2026, and the judgment is expected to be delivered tomorrow.
Significance of the Verdict
The High Court's verdict on the death reference and jail appeals is significant as it will determine the final legal outcome for the accused in the Nusrat Jahan Rafi murder case. The case has been closely watched by the public and has highlighted issues of sexual harassment and violence against women in Bangladesh. The verdict is expected to have a profound impact on the families of both the victim and the accused, as well as on the broader societal discourse on justice and accountability.






































