Staff Correspondent

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul today said that the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act is being made stricter to ensure that rape cases are not only tried speedily but also to ensure proper justice.

“The investigation period for rape cases is being reduced from 30 days to 15 days, while the trial completion time is being shortened from 180 days to 90 days,” he told reporters after a meeting with the leaders of Anti-Rape Platform at the Secretariat this afternoon.

The adviser said the government has prepared the draft of the amended Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, reducing the trial and investigation time of the rape case by half.

He said, “We held a consultation meeting with all concerned on Monday and Tuesday. I have made a draft of [Amendment to Women and Children Repression Prevention Act] and today we are circulating it to some stakeholders.”

“We will try to ensure strict implementation of the law as soon as possible. I have told them that the trial of rape cases should not only be speedy, but also justice should be ensured in a proper way,” he said.

A provision is being included in the amended draft that if the judge thinks it is necessary, the case proceedings and investigation can be continued based on the medical certificate without the DNA report, Asif said.

"Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized the significant role women played during the mass uprising. “In the struggle against fascist rule, women have played an unforgettable role. This time, women came forward, and when they stood up, their families supported them. The ultimate victory over fascism owes much to their contribution,” he said.

Commenting on recent attacks on women, the adviser said the government has taken a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ against those involved in violence against women. He also pointed out that following the victory, women in the country are facing attacks.

“These attacks are often justified by distorted religious interpretations. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against such actions,” he said.

The adviser, about the meeting, said, “The anti-rape platform leaders demanded speedy trial of the child rape case in Magura. We have assured them that police have already collected DNA samples of the accused in the Magura rape. I have told them that we will remain vigilant so that justice is done without any delay.”

Mentioning the demand of the anti-rape platform leaders to introduce special court for rape cases, the adviser said, “Rape cases are now tried under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. However, there are many other crimes besides rape cases. So, there is a backlog, which delays case management,” he said.

“I have listened to them and admitted that their demand is logical. I will raise the issue in the discussion of the Advisory Council and I will try my best to explore this matter, whether it can be done. If done, it will be done as soon as possible,” he said.

Regarding another demand of the platform over separate cells for preventing sexual harassment in workplace and educational institutions, Asif said, “There is a High Court verdict in this regard. In light of that verdict, we have promised to enact a comprehensive law not only for educational institutions and workplaces but also for public spaces. In line with the High Court verdict, I will try to make the law a little stricter.”

In the memorandum submitted by the Anti-Rape Platform, concerns were raised about the lack of enforcement of the death penalty for rape cases, despite it being the capital punishment under the law.

They pointed out several high-profile cases, such as the rape and murder of Mosarat Jahan Munia and Sohagi Jahan Tanu, which have yet to see justice. The memorandum also highlighted several unresolved cases, including the alleged rape of the wife of a missing person by a RAB officer, and demanded immediate action in this regards.

The platform’s five key demands include the formation of a special tribunal to investigate and prosecute the Magura rape case, with the investigation report to be submitted within seven days and the trial completed within one month, ensuring that the death penalty is awarded in this case.

Besides, they called for the establishment of dedicated anti-abuse cells in every educational institution and workplace, as well as amendments to laws governing sexual harassment and cyber bullying.

Dr. Asif expressed his full support for the student’s demands, saying, “The concerns they raised are also my own. The expectations they have from the government are reasonable, and I believe each of their demands is justified.”