The govt will keep courts handling cases of violence against women and children open during public holidays in a bid to accelerate justice delivery, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman announced on Monday.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with local BNP leaders at the Chuadanga Circuit House, the minister said the decision was taken in consultation with the Supreme Court to ensure swift disposal of sensitive cases.

He referred to the recent rape and murder of eight year old Ramisa Akter in Dhaka’s Pallabi area, confirming that trial proceedings in the case are set to begin on June 1. According to the minister, the accused gave a confessional statement within 24 hours of the incident and investigators submitted the charge sheet within a week.

“We have already moved forward with the judicial process,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to fast tracking such cases.

Ramisa, the daughter of Abdul Hannan Molla, was allegedly raped and killed on May 19 by Sohel Rana, a tenant living in a neighbouring apartment.

Commenting on a separate incident in Jhenaidah, where National Citizen Party Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary was assaulted after Friday prayers, Asaduzzaman described the attack as unacceptable. “No one expects such behaviour and it is not appropriate,” he said.

Later in the day, the minister attended the closing ceremony of a three day programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Karpasdanga, Damurhuda upazila. The event took place at the Missionary Field next to the historic eight roofed house linked to the poet’s memory.

He also paid tribute by laying floral wreaths at the memorial adjacent to the historic site.