In response to a surge of public outcry over growing rape cases, the government has announced significant amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, aiming to expedite investigations and trials.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday said the government is going to mandate the completion of rape case investigations in 15 days and trials within 90 days.
While addressing a press conference at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Sunday, he said a draft of the amendment would be finalised as soon as possible following discussions with stakeholders.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam also spoke at the press conference.
The government’s announcement comes as the country erupts in protest over the rape of a minor girl in Magura, who is currently struggling for her life in the Combined Military Hospital on life support.
Asif Nazrul explained that the decision to amend the law was made to ensure a swift trial process for rape cases. He noted that the current law allows 30 days for investigation into a rape case, with the deadline often extended multiple times if the initial investigation officer fails to complete the probe within the stipulated time, thus prolonging the trial.

Under the existing law, bail can be granted to the accused if the trial is not completed within 180 days, he added.
Once the amendments are enacted, investigations will be required to be completed within 15 days, and the trial will be concluded within 90 days, with no possibility of granting bail to the accused.
He also mentioned that a toll-free hotline will also be introduced, allowing victims to file complaints and ensuring that law enforcement agencies take swift action in response to these complaints.

Dr Asif Nazrul said, “Rapists will have no place in Bangladesh. All those accused in the Magura incident have already been arrested. The government is working to ensure the maximum punishment for them through the legal process.”
He further said, “Our stance on violence against women and children, including rape, is clear. We have directed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against all forms of violence against women and children. They have been instructed to submit a report to the court after completing the investigation, listing all instances of violence against women to date. Criminals involved in recent rape cases will be prosecuted and severely punished.”
He added that women must be able to perform their duties both at home and in the workplace, and those who attempt to obstruct this will be brought under the law.
Addressing the press conference, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that those involved in the recent rape incident in Magura had already been arrested and would face the highest punishment through legal procedures. The home adviser also reiterated that the government has declared a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy towards rape.
Mahfuj Alam outlined the government’s ‘uncompromising stance’ against attempts to incite chaos, incidents of mob violence, and other crimes. He emphasised that the government would deal with any form of mob attack with an iron fist. “If a disorderly situation arises, legal action will be taken against those responsible, regardless of their identity,” he added.