Law adviser: Rape trials should be concluded within 90 days
Required legal amendments will be introduced within a week.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul stated on Sunday that necessary legal amendments would be introduced soon to ensure that rape investigations are completed within 15 days and trials are concluded within 90 days of case filing.
Speaking at the Secretariat, he mentioned that these legal changes would be implemented within a week.
Nazrul emphasized that even if a trial exceeds the 90-day period, the accused cannot secure bail solely on this basis. Additionally, to expedite proceedings when necessary, a judge may use a simple medical certificate confirming the victim’s status as evidence.
Currently, DNA samples from both the victim and the perpetrator are required to establish guilt in court. However, due to limited DNA testing facilities across the country, investigations and trials often face delays.
The law adviser further stated that the assigned investigation officer must complete their work within 15 days, reducing the previous 30-day period. If the officer fails to do so, they may be replaced.
He also announced that the home ministry would soon launch a toll-free hotline to combat sexual abuse and street harassment, with a dedicated ministry cell overseeing it. Additionally, the law ministry will establish a specialized cell to monitor rape cases.
During the meeting, Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam revealed that awareness videos would be produced with support from the culture ministry. He also mentioned that the government plans to engage with media professionals to ensure accurate reporting on mob justice and prevent misinformation.
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