'Zero tolerance' policy adopted to prevent violence against women: Asif Nazrul
"zero tolerance" policy adopted against violence against women: Asif Nazrul
The interim government has taken a "zero tolerance" policy against attacks on women and girls in the country, said Law adviser Prof Asif Nazrul today.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "We will definitely act tough on those who will harass our women on different excuses. There could be delays [in the process] and we may make mistakes from time to time. However, we will not derail from our goal," he said.
He was talking with reporters after a meeting with a group of female representatives of the "Platform against Rape" (Dhorshon Birodhi Mancha) at the Secretariat.
He said women in post-uprising Bangladesh have been attacked by various quarters due to "misinterpretation of religion".
Prof Nazrul said the country's female students had a glorious role in the July uprising and urged everyone to stop "moral policing" against women.
He said the Anti-Rape Platform members have placed various demands which are "logical".
He said they have demanded that only rape cases should be dealt with at a special tribunal, adding he will raise the issue at the advisory council's meeting.
At present rape cases are dealt at the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals, he further said.
On ensuring justice in the recent Magura rape incident of a minor girl, he said the interim government will strictly monitor the situation to speed up and ensure the trial process.
He said a draft law that aims to not only speed up but ensure proper trial in rape cases was shared with stakeholders.
The law adviser also said the government will seriously consider a comprehensive law in line with the High Court directive to establish "special cells" to prevent harassment and violence against women at universities, workplaces and on roads.
Earlier, the delegation of "Platform against Rape" entered the Secretariat this afternoon and submitted a memorandum containing a five-point demand to the law adviser.
While handing over the memorandum, they also demanded that the investigation report of the Magura rape case be submitted within seven days, with a special tribunal formed to ensure swift justice for rape and torture cases.
They called for the highest punishment -- the death penalty – for the rapists upon completion of judicial processes within one month. Additionally, they urged the government to guarantee the security of the victim's family throughout the trial process.
The students demanded a special court for rape trials, citing delays due to the existing Women and Children Repression Prevention Court handling multiple crimes.
The delegation also pressed for the trial of all rape cases under special anti-rape tribunals and demanded that such a tribunal be established within three working days, with trials beginning without delay.
Furthermore, they called for the home adviser, law adviser, and women and children affairs adviser to be held accountable for failing to ensure the safety of women and children.
The memorandum proposed the formation of a "Women and Children Repression Prevention Cell" in all educational institutions and workplaces to actively address gender-based violence.
Additionally, they demanded amendments to existing laws on rape, sexual assault, and cyberbullying to provide clearer definitions of these crimes.
The memorandum stressed the need to incorporate gender-based empowerment narratives into legal and social discourse, highlighting women's equal status in society, the harm of victim-blaming, the importance of consent, and women's contributions to economic development.
Other demands included increasing the number of judges in session courts handling rape cases and implementing appropriate pay scales for judicial personnel -- including public prosecutors (PP), court sub-inspectors (CSI), and investigating officers (IO) -- to prevent corruption and bias in favour of the accused. They also emphasised the need for qualified personnel in medical investigation teams and the provision of family security, rehabilitation, and mental health support for victims.
On March 9, female students of Dhaka University announced the formation of the 'Platform against Rape'.
On March 10, at 7:30pm, students under the platform held a torch procession at the foot of the Raju Sculpture and presented their five-point demand against rape and oppression.
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