Govt to establish special tribunal for quick disposal of child rape cases
Duration for trial and investigation in rape cases has been reduced and the definition of rape has been expanded, says the law adviser
Highlights:
- Special tribunal for child rape cases to ensure faster justice
- Gazette on the Amendment of Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 to be published on 20 March
- Faster rape trials as courts can proceed without waiting for DNA reports
- New DNA labs and special judges to address case backlogs
The interim government has decided to establish a separate special tribunal to handle child rape cases and approved in principle several amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 to ensure a quicker trial process.
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul shared the developments after an urgent meeting of the Advisory Council today (17 March). Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting held at his office at Tejgaon.
Addressing a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Asif said a gazette regarding the amendments to the law is likely to be published on Thursday (20 March).
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He said the council unanimously supported the proposal to establish the special tribunal. He also stated that the amended law will address false cases, allowing judges to take action on their own initiative if a case is found to be filed with malicious intent.
The law adviser said the duration for trial and investigation in rape cases has been reduced, and the definition of rape has been expanded.
Speedy trial of rape: Govt finalises Women and Children Repression Prevention Act draft
He explained that a high number of cases related to violence against women and children led to significant delays in their resolution.
"To address this, rape involving consent — such as cases where marriage was promised or deception was used — will be categorised separately, while rape without consent, including child rape, will be treated as a distinct crime," he added.
Asif Nazrul emphasised the urgency of expediting trials for child rape cases.
Reiterating that the legal definition of rape is being broadened, he said, "The law now includes punishments for rape committed by any person, not just men. Additionally, any form of penetration, whether by body parts or objects, as well as anal rape, will be considered a punishable offence."
He further highlighted that many cases had been stalled for years awaiting DNA reports. "Under the new provisions, courts can proceed with trials based on witness testimony if they deem a DNA report unnecessary.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also
present at the media briefing.
DNA labs will be established in two additional locations, and judges will be appointed through a special judiciary to help alleviate the shortage of judges in other cases, said Rizwana.
She mentioned that the chief adviser has directed authorities to ensure market stability.
Additionally, the adviser emphasised that the government will not tolerate the demolition of shrines under any circumstances.
