‘Don’t want to witness another tragedy like this’: Cricketers demand justice for murder of 8-year-old in Pallabi

The Bangladesh cricket community has come together in shock and outrage following the horrific murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, Dhaka. The young girl, a class two student, was raped and killed allegedly by her neighbour, Sohel Rana, in a crime that has sent ripples of grief across the nation.

Sharing a sketch of Ramisa on his official Facebook page, Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his heartbreak, saying: “We want a society where every child can smile safely, not in fear, and grow up with dreams. No other Ramisa’s life should end like this. May Allah grant her paradise, and may the culprits receive punishment that sets an example for society.”

T20I captain Litton Das also took to Facebook, highlighting the need for urgent action: “As a parent of a daughter, hearing the news about Ramisa is deeply disturbing and heartbreaking. This cannot be tolerated in any society. We all deserve a safer world for our children, where they can grow without fear. Anything wrong that happens deserves proper justice – and in the case of Ramisa, justice must be delivered without delay. As we stand together demanding justice for Ramisa, let us also say it loudly and clearly: crimes like this deserve the harshest punishment. We do not want to witness another tragedy like this ever again.”

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim expressed his anguish as well: “Totally shocked by the news this morning. Young Ramisa deserved safety, love, and protection… not such horrific cruelty. I demand quick and proper justice for this innocent child, no family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. Crimes against children deserve the harshest punishment.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) joined the chorus of condemnation, posting on social media: “We are deeply shocked and outraged at the heinous crime committed against little Ramisa. Our hearts bleed for Ramisa and all victims of such senseless acts of cruelty. We are united today in demanding justice.”