Child Ira’s Killer Arrested in Sitakunda; Previously Serving Life for Child Rape, Released From Prison After Aug. 5

Staff Reporter

Chittagong, 03 March 2026: Police have arrested Babu Sheikh (50), the main accused in the rape and murder of seven-year-old Jannatul Naima Ira (Ira) in the remote hilly area of ​​Botanical Garden and Ecopark in Sitakunda Upazila of Chittagong. It is learnt that the arrested Babu Sheikh lived in the house next to Ira.

According to police sources, Ira was rescued from inside Ecopark on Saturday with her throat slit. She died early Tuesday morning after being treated at Chittagong Medical College Hospital for two days. Doctors confirmed that the child was a victim of rape. Ira’s mother has filed a murder case with Sitakunda Police Station.

Meanwhile, according to information circulating on social media after his arrest, Babu Sheikh was serving a life sentence in a child rape case during the Awami League government. After the formation of a new interim government following the July 24 movement (after August 5), Babu Sheikh was released from prison on bail as a victim of ‘repression by the Awami League government’.

Israt Jahan, policy convener of the Youth Policy Forum, took to social media (Facebook) to demand punishment for the judge who granted bail. She wrote that questions have been raised about how the decision to grant bail to a child rapist serving a life sentence was made, and the responsibility for this lies with the judiciary.

Chittagong Additional Superintendent of Police (Industrial Area and DB) Md. Russell confirmed the arrest and said that Babu Sheikh was arrested quickly based on CCTV footage and other evidence. He said that the investigation into the case is ongoing and more accused may be arrested if necessary. Detailed information will be given at a press conference later.

The local people, various organizations and civil society have expressed strong anger over the incident. They have demanded speedy trial and exemplary punishment. There is a nationwide discussion and criticism about child abuse and safety. Many are demanding reform of the justice system, identifying the previous sentence and bail as a ‘failure’. Police said that information related to Babu Sheikh’s previous cases and bail is being verified in the investigation. This incident has created new awareness about child protection and rehabilitation.