Eight-year-old Ashiya from Magura, who was admitted to the hospital in critical condition after allegedly being subjected to torture and sexual assault, passed away at 1:00 PM on Thursday. Colonel Nazmul Hamid, a professor at the Pediatric Neurology Department of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, confirmed the news.
Colonel Nazmul Hamid stated that the child suffered cardiac arrest twice in the morning. After the first incident, her heartbeat was restored following Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). However, at noon, she experienced another cardiac arrest. Despite administering CPR a second time, her heartbeat could not be restored, and she was declared dead at 1:00 PM.
In a press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) expressed deep sorrow, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the child from Magura, who was a victim of torture, at 1:00 PM today at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka. Despite the application of CMH’s state-of-the-art medical facilities and the utmost efforts of specialist doctors, it was not possible to save her. The child suffered cardiac arrest three times this morning. While her condition was stabilized twice, her heartbeat could not be restored after the third incident.”
The ISPR press release further mentioned that the child Ashiya was admitted to CMH in critical condition on March 8. The Bangladesh Army prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and extended deep condolences to the grieving family. The Army also pledged to stand by the family in their time of need.
Background of the Incident
The eight-year-old girl, Ashiya, had gone to visit her sister’s house in Magura, where she was allegedly subjected to sexual assault and torture. Her mother filed a case accusing her brother-in-law, sister’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, and another relative of the crime. All the accused were arrested and remanded.
Last Thursday, around 11:30 AM, Ashiya was brought to the 250-bed Magura General Hospital in an unconscious state by her sister’s mother-in-law. Later, her mother arrived at the hospital. That afternoon, she was transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for better treatment. From there, she was moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday night. By Friday night, she was placed on life support. In critical condition, she was transferred to CMH’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on Saturday evening, where she remained on life support until her passing.
A medical board, led by CMH’s chief surgeon and comprising eight specialist doctors, was formed to oversee her treatment. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to save Ashiya.
Nationwide Outcry
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and criticism across the country. Protests and demonstrations against rape and abuse have erupted in various places. Child rights and anti-violence organizations have strongly condemned the incident and demanded swift justice for the perpetrators.
This tragic event has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws against child abuse and sexual violence, as well as increased social awareness. The death of Ashiya has not only left a family in mourning but has also shaken the entire nation.
Sources: prothomalo, samakal, ekattor, ajkerpatrika, dhakatribune
Date: 13 March, 2025
এই আর্টিকেলটি বাংলায় পড়তে চাইলে এখানে ক্লিক করুন
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