Home Ministry to introduce a dedicated hotline for reporting rape complaints

The Ministry of Home Affairs is set to introduce a dedicated hotline for reporting rape and abuse complaints.  

“The announcement will be made within the next 24 hours, and the hotline will be toll-free,” stated Law Adviser Asif Nazrul during a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday. He further mentioned that a special cell would be established under the Law Ministry to oversee rape cases.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who was also present, emphasized that the hotline would operate 24/7, allowing complaints to be reported at any time. Additionally, a dedicated unit within the Home Ministry will monitor rape cases to ensure timely resolution and prevent unnecessary delays.  

He also noted that the Appellate Division has revoked the bail of Saiful Islam, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Dinajpur child rape case. Addressing the broader issue, he acknowledged, “At times, we fall short of expectations, and this leads to deep reflection. The ongoing violence, abuse, and rape cases against women in Bangladesh will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”  

Jahangir further assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring justice and implementing all necessary measures to prevent sexual harassment.  

Referring to a recent law and order meeting at the chief adviser’s office, Asif Nazrul stated, “Like you, we are deeply concerned. We have resolved to take a firmer stance, and from now on, any form of mob justice will be strictly suppressed.”