‘Where does it end?’: Artistes demand justice for Ramisa

The brutal killing of eight-year-old Ramisa has sparked nationwide outrage, with waves of grief and protest spreading across the country and social media. Members of Bangladesh’s cultural community have also spoken out strongly, condemning the horrific crime and demanding swift justice.

Veteran actor and playwright Mamunur Rashid said the killer could not be considered human. “We have heard of monsters in stories, but the person who killed Ramisa is worse than a monster,” he said. “What kind of society are we living in where a small child can be subjected to such brutality?”

He blamed a culture of impunity for the rise in violent crimes. “If every murder had been properly punished, criminals would think twice before committing such acts. Justice for Ramisa is essential if we truly want a humane society,” he added.

Filmmaker Giasuddin Selim described the incident as unbearable and deeply disturbing. “I am heartbroken and furious,” he said. “Since when did we become this cruel as a nation? No sane person can accept something this barbaric.”

He urged policymakers to reflect seriously on the social conditions that allow such violence to occur. “We need accountability and the harshest punishment for the perpetrator so that incidents like this never happen again,” he said.

Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan called the murder “a horrifying and shameful tragedy”, saying society and the state had both failed to ensure children’s safety.

“As a mother, this affects me deeply,” she said. “Delayed justice and weak accountability encourage criminals. Justice for Ramisa must become an example so that people know such barbarity will not go unpunished.”

Actress Tanzika Amin said she was unable to look at Ramisa’s photographs without breaking down emotionally. “I cannot even scroll through Facebook because every image of her is heartbreaking,” she said.

Speaking about the victim’s parents, she added, “How will they live with this pain? I want immediate justice. The punishment must be severe and timely so that society does not forget, and so that predators fear the consequences of their actions.”

Veteran actor and director Tariq Anam Khan also condemned the incident, calling it “an act of terrifying cruelty”.

“Children are innocent and gentle. When a child’s life is taken away like this, the loss can never truly be repaired,” he said. “From Asiya to Ramisa, where are we heading as a society?”

He said Ramisa’s photographs circulating online had left him emotionally shaken. “At this stage of my life, seeing such images is unbearable,” he said.

Reflecting on the grief of Ramisa’s father, he added, “How do I endure seeing his face? A father must be utterly helpless to speak with such pain. What he has lost can never be returned.”

Tariq Anam Khan stressed that protecting children and ensuring justice was a collective responsibility. “We must build a more humane society where such crimes can never happen again,” he said.

Renowned theatre personality and cultural organiser Ramendu Majumdar described the murder as evidence of a growing moral crisis in society.

“There are deeply disturbed individuals emerging among us,” he said. “We must understand why this moral decay is happening and address it seriously.”

He stressed the importance of exemplary punishment, saying strong accountability could help prevent future crimes.

Ramendu Majumdar also expressed concern over people drifting away from books, sports, and cultural activities. “If children grow up surrounded by literature, sports, and culture, society will become healthier and more compassionate,” he said.

He further noted how excessive dependence on mobile phones and increasing isolation were affecting human relationships. “People are becoming self-centred, emotionally unstable, and in some cases losing their humanity,” he observed.

Speaking about Ramisa, he said, “She was only a child — a flower that faded before it could bloom. Justice must be ensured so that no one dares to commit such crimes again.”