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Published : 20 Mar 2025, 05:06 PM
The advisory council of the interim government has approved a revision of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, setting the maximum sentence for soliciting a sexual relationship with promises of marriage at seven years in prison.
The decision was taken at an advisory council meeting on Thursday, according to Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief advisor.
He said in a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, “A revision of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act has been approved by the cabinet today. Our law advisor spoke in detail about this last week. After his briefing, we asked a number of women’s groups for their opinions.”
“Every effort has been taken to accommodate their opinions. In light of that, the law was debated for about an hour. After that, this amendment was passed.”
Shafiqul said: “New measures are being taken regarding the rape cases that occur after promises of marriage. A new section is being added to the old law setting the maximum sentence at seven years and action will be taken on the other safeguards that can be introduced. The cabinet has finally passed it today.”
On Mar 13, Law Advisor Asif said: “I only want to add one aspect in the new law. We are going to form a special tribunal to ensure the speedy trial of child rape and assault. The provision for the formation of a special tribunal will be in the new law.
“The task of this tribunal will be to only try cases of child rape and assault quickly so that the maximum attention of the state can be given to them.”
Stating that a new definition of rape has been introduced in the proposed ordinance, Press Secretary Shafiqul said: “As you know, DNA tests play a big role in the delay in these cases.”
“Measures have been taken on how to address this issue. We are also going to set up two new DNA labs.”
