A Dhaka tribunal has formally begun the trial of Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter in the case over the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi. On Monday, June 1, 2026, Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for Suppression of Violence Against Children framed charges against both accused and set June 2 for witness testimony. During the hearing, Sohel Rana told the court that his wife was innocent, but the tribunal proceeded with the charge reading. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

According to the case file, Ramisa, a second-grade student, was found dead inside the accused couple’s flat on May 19. Police said Swapna lured the child into the apartment, where Sohel allegedly raped and killed her. The child’s father filed a case the same day, leading to the arrest of both suspects. The investigation officer later submitted a charge sheet naming Sohel and Swapna as accused, which was accepted by the court and transferred to the children’s tribunal for trial.

The court appointed a state defense lawyer for the accused, as they had no private counsel. The public prosecutor represented the state during the hearing.