Courts dealing with violence against women, children to remain open during holidays: Minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today (25 May) said the government, in consultation with the Supreme Court, has decided to keep courts dealing with violence against women and children open during holidays to ensure speedy trial.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting with local BNP leaders at the Chuadanga Circuit House in the afternoon.

Referring to the killing of eight-year-old child Ramisa Akter in the capital's Pallabi area, the minister said the trial proceedings in the case will begin on 1 June.

He said the accused had given confessional statements within 24 hours and a charge sheet was submitted within a week. "We have already moved forward with the judicial process."

Ramisa Akter, daughter of Abdul Hannan Molla, was raped and murdered by Sohel Rana, a tenant of a neighbouring flat, on 19 May.

Referring to the incident where National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary was assaulted in Jhenaidah, Asaduzzaman described the incident as "not desirable."

"No one expects a such behaviour and it is not appropriate," he said.

Nasiruddin Patwary and his associates came under attack in Jhenaidah on Friday shortly after Jummah prayers in front of the old Collectorate Jame Mosque.

Later, the law minister attended the closing ceremony of a three-day programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at Karpasdanga in Damurhuda upazila.

The programme was held at the Missionary Field adjacent to the historic eight-roofed house associated with the poet's memory.

Before that, the minister paid tribute to the poet by placing floral wreaths at the memorial beside the historic structure.