A Faridpur women and children repression prevention tribunal on Monday sentenced Hanif Sheikh, described in the case as a fraudulent traditional healer, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a young woman under the pretext of treatment. Judge Shamima Parvin, also district and sessions judge, delivered the verdict. The court also fined him Tk 20,000 and ordered an additional six months in jail if the fine is not paid. Sheikh was absconding when the judgment was announced.

According to the case complaint and court sources, Sheikh had long been involved in improper treatment through spiritual rituals and in abusing women. On March 22, 2025, the survivor went to his home with her younger sister seeking treatment. The accused allegedly took her to a tin-roofed room on the promise of providing treatment and forcibly sexually assaulted her.

The sources said Sheikh threatened and intimidated the survivor after she protested, telling her not to disclose the incident. Public Prosecutor Advocate Golam Rabbani Bhuiyan Ratan said the prosecution proved the allegation beyond reasonable doubt after extensive testimony and hearings. He said the verdict sends a strong message against malpractice and deception and has delivered justice to the survivor's family.