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The law advisor says investigations in rape cases must be completed within 15 days
Published : 09 Mar 2025, 09:31 PM
The interim government is considering legal amendments to ensure rape cases are disposed of within 90 days while barring bail for the accused, Law Advisor Asif Nazrul has said.
Speaking at a press conference at the law, justice and parliament affairs ministry on Sunday, he outlined the proposed changes.
Recently, students from Dhaka University and Rajshahi University took to the streets in response to a spate of violence and hostility against women in Bangladesh, including the harassment of a female student at Dhaka University and the rape of a child in Magura.
In this context, Nazrul said: “We are considering legal steps to prevent rape and violence against women.
“After consulting with stakeholders, we will finalise the measures. We aim to introduce legal changes in the coming days."
The advisor explained that under the current system, if the investigating officer did not complete their work within 30 days, they could be replaced, causing delays in the trial process.
However, under the proposed amendment, once an officer is assigned to a case, they will be required to complete the investigation, and the officer cannot be changed.
He said, “We are reducing the investigation period to 15 days and cutting the trial duration in half.
“Rape cases must be tried within 90 days, and investigations must conclude within 15 days.”
The advisor added that even if the trial exceeds 90 days, the accused will not be eligible for bail.
“Earlier, if the trial didn’t conclude within 180 days, bail was granted. Now, no bail will be allowed in rape cases.”
Referring to the Magura child rape case, Nazrul said: “We are deeply saddened by what happened to this child, just as you all are. We strongly condemn it. As a government, we also have a responsibility.
“The suspects have already been arrested. The law, home ministry, and all relevant government agencies will ensure there is no delay in investigation or trial.”
The law advisor said a special cell will be set up at the home ministry to handle complaints of sexual harassment in public spaces while a separate cell will be established at the law ministry to monitor rape cases.
GOVERNMENT’S ZERO TOLERANCE STANCE AGAINST RAPE
Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who was also present at the briefing, said all incidents of violence and rape occurring in the country will be brought under the law, and the perpetrators will face the maximum punishment.
He confirmed the government's zero-tolerance stance against rape.
The advisor said, "Our position against rape and violence against women and children is very clear.
“We have ordered law-enforcing agencies to take strict action against rape and abuse of women and children."
He added that investigations into all cases of violence against women should be completed quickly, with reports being submitted to the courts.
"Those involved in recent incidents will be brought to justice and subjected to the harshest penalties.”
Jahangir said women must be able to perform their duties both at home and in public without any obstacles.
"Those who try to obstruct or engage in violence will be held accountable under the law, and there will be no leniency.”
Along with legal measures to combat rape and abuse of women and children, he emphasised the importance of creating social movements and raising awareness to address these issues.
